Norwich boss Paul Lambert conceded his men were a long way second best in today's 3-0 Premier League home defeat to Liverpool at Carrow Road.

Luis Suarez underlined his fearsome reputation with a hat-trick that had Norwich defensive errors at source for all three goals. Lambert acknowledged for the second consecutive weekend the Canaries had suffered self-inflicted blows against the FA Cup finalists.

'We were beaten by the better team,' he said. 'We lost goals that were disappointing but there are not many times I have walked away from here disappointed - but tonight I am. That is the game. I can't be too critical with the team because they have put the club where they are today. We made three bad mistakes for the goals but I won't blame any individuals or the team. We lost three battles. Every game we have to be bang at it. If you're not, then things like that can happen. You are up against that magnitude of team and that calibre of player. If we are not at our level we get beat.

'The finishing was great but it should never have happened in the first place. What is said in the dressing room always stays in the dressing room. I never get too low with a defeat just as I don't get too high with a win. Those lads have put the club where it is today. You pick yourself up, you go again.'

Lambert confirmed after the game defender Adam Drury had been withdrawn with a suspected groin injury but City's medical staff will have to assess whether the left-back's season is finished over the next few days.