Paul Lambert insisted he derives no extra pleasure from making Norwich City suffer after plotting yet another Aston Villa win against his old club.
The Scot is now unbeaten in five meetings with the Canaries since his departure in June 2012 after an emphatic 4-1 Premier League victory at Villa Park. Lambert was keen on a reunion with Wes Hoolahan in the January transfer window and it was the Irishman who put City ahead before Villa struck four times in 16 first-half minutes. Christian Benteke plundered a brace before Leandro Bacuna and an own goal from Seb Bassong sealed the rout.
'I don't take anything extra from beating Norwich,' said Lambert. 'I had a great three years there but it is Chris (Hughton's) team. He did a great job there last season and I have nothing but good things to say about the Norwich fans. I have always had a good rapport with the fans. I have nothing but praise for them. Even in League One, you could not get a seat in Carrow Road. We had a great three year period and they went home and away in great numbers. They support their team and they always back their side. They still have seven players I brought in and those lads deserve a lot of credit for how they have helped that club as well. I left there nearly two years ago.
'The fact he (Hoolahan) did score I guess you could call that sod's law. I worry about my own team's performance. I am not the Norwich manager now so it is not for me to comment on their players. I only focus on my team. That is what happens in games but we bounced back really well. The goals and the way we played was first class.'
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here