And away we go! O'Neill hails Aston Villa's record on the road

11 February 2009 16:20
Travel guide: O'Neill has masterminded 10 wins away from Villa Park in the Premier League[LNB] Martin O'Neill has identified Aston Villa's[LNB]fearless approach to away games as the key factor behind their success this season. [LNB]Villa have been the Barclays Premier League's surprise package and are serious contenders for a top-four finish and a place in next season's Champions League.[LNB] Third-placed Villa are closer to leaders Manchester United than fifth-placed Arsenal and O'Neill pointed to his side's remarkable form on their travels as the reason for their unexpected Premier League position. [LNB]'We go into games away from home with no fear,' said O'Neill. 'There is no real worry when we travel. We have respect but no fear and we travel with optimism in every game. [LNB]'The away record is incredible. To win 10 of 13 games away from Villa Park is a tremendous achievement. It's the best away record in the Premier League and I've got to give fantastic credit to the players for that. [LNB]'I remember saying several weeks ago that the key to doing well - and competing - is going on winning runs of six, seven, eight games in a row. That's what the top teams do and amazingly that's what the lads have managed. [LNB]'They've gone 13 league games unbeaten, picking up 31 points from a possible 39. That's a fantastic effort by the players but we need to keep that up. We need to keep that momentum going. [LNB]'Whether we can sustain our momentum over the next four months is obviously debatable but we are where we are with two thirds of the season gone. [LNB]'There is also such a strong determination and spirit about the team.'[LNB][LNB][LNB] On the road to somewhere: James Milner (centre) sent Villa on their way to a 2-0 victory at Blackburn last time out[LNB] It's a three-horse race: Liverpool boss Benitez insists Villa are genuine title contenders[LNB]Look who Sir Alex has seen off in his time: The 923 bosses who have come and gone...[LNB]The club nobody wants to join: Sportsmail looks at England's sorry one-cap wonders[LNB]Safe as houses, on the brink or a goner? Sportsmail predicts the future for the remaining 18 Premier League managers[LNB]ASTON VILLA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail