Source: Team_Talk
Bosses disagree over spot-kick
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill claimed the penalty which earned his side a 1-0 win over Birmingham on Sunday was correctly awarded.[LNB] Roger Johnson was penalised for his tackle on Gabriel Agbonlahor, despite getting his foot to the ball, and James Milner converted the 83rd-minute winner in the Premier League clash at Villa Park.[LNB]"There's no dispute about it," O'Neill said on Sky Sports 1. "It's a penalty kick.[LNB]"I've seen it back since and it's a definite penalty. It's a penalty - simple as that."[LNB]O'Neill admitted Birmingham were the better side in the second half, but praised his side's character.[LNB]"We were second best in the second half, but the crowrd urged us on, kept us going and the players kept us going.[LNB]"We've shown grit and great spirit."[LNB]Brad Friedel believes Villa can still qualify for the Champions League.[LNB]The victory lifted O'Neill's men level on points with Tottenham, having played a game more.[LNB]Asked if they could still finish fourth, Friedel said: "Absolutely, we're not going to quit until it's mathmatically impossible."[LNB]Birmingham boss Alex McLeish was adamant Johnson's tackle was a fair one. "It was a great tackle, simple," he said on Sky Sports 1. "It was a bad mistake by the ref. He was not up with the play.[LNB]"It was a great touch by Roger Johnson. He's made a name for himself in the Premier League with that."[LNB]McLeish added: "I thought we deserved to win it let alone losing to a controversial penalty.[LNB]"I am disappointed such a big game and big decision went against us."
