Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill - Carew was difference
Martin O'Neill believes John Carew's introduction as a second half substitute helped Aston Villa on their way to a narrow win over Birmingham at St Andrews.
A Gabriel Agbonlahor header six minutes from time handed all three points to O'Neill's men in what was in truth a dismal Midlands derby.
Clear cut chances were few and far between in a game that neither side looked like they wanted to win until O'Neill introduced Carew in the 71st minute.
The big Norwegian put himself about and played a huge part in the only goal of the game when he headed the ball into Agbonlahor's path, from an Ashley Young free-kick, for him to win the game.
"It was a game of very few chances and it looked to be heading to a stalemate but there is always a possibility, we have players who are capable of scoring goals," O'Neill told Sky Sports News.
"It was a terrific goal for us and we tried to go for the win with John coming on and I'm just delighted to have won the game.
"We had a couple of chances after that but I accept the fact at that stage Birmingham were chasing the game.
"It was not just his (Carew) presence but his contribution. Obviously we're delighted to win the game.
"It was a hard-fought match. We spoke beforehand of being one of relief more than anything else but obviously for our supporters I'm delighted."
Momentum
The result made it five consecutive wins for Villa over the Blues but more importantly for O'Neill the win means that the opening day defeat to Wigan is now well and truly behind them.
"That's three consecutive wins in the Premier League after a very poor start on the opening day of the season," he highlighted.
"But I think we have put that behind us now with a great performance at Liverpool and we have followed that on with two wins and that's all it is.
"But the great thing about it is to get players in and I think all three making debuts coming in were absolutely splendid.
"The players know we will change things around sometimes week upon week and try to learn a lesson from last year when, from February onwards, we maybe just ran out of steam - but it is far too early to talk about running out of steam."
