Villa are three points adrift of safety after picking up just 21 points from 25 games, and endured a torrid January after being knocked out of both the FA Cup and League Cup by lower league opposition.

However, the Midlands club are looking ahead with renewed optimism after a promising 3-3 draw away to Everton last Saturday following a team meeting, and the 43-year-old boss insists it is only results that matter from here on in.

"It is horrible," he said. "We're in a fight and we have to drive ourselves out of it.

"We had a chat the other day and they know what they have to do. The effort they are giving is there in abundance. I believe they can do it and they do themselves.

"We spoke about things and they've been pretty positive."

Villa have not won in eight games, losing five and drawing three, and desperately need to beat West Ham at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon, with Lambert prioritising three points over a good display.

"Winning covers a multitude of sins; it always does, and if you play poor and win, you'd take it," he said.

"You'd settle for that, playing poor and winning. I know you are in the entertainment business but sometimes that doesn't get you anywhere.

"If you win, everyone goes away happy."