Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill lays blame with ref
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has blamed referee Rob Styles for his side's Premier League draw with West Ham.[LNB] Villa's winless run in the top flight continued as Diego Tristan's 85th minute goal cancelled out Emile Heskey's opener in an absorbing encounter in the Midlands.[LNB]Despite the late nature of the Hammers' leveller, O'Neill believes his team should still have been offered a last-gasp penalty opportunity to snatch a dramatic first win in eight league games.[LNB]West Ham defender James Tomkins appeared to handle the ball inside his own 18-yard area when challenging John Carew in injury-time, but referee Styles waved away claims.[LNB]And O'Neill was left in no doubt that his men were denied the opportunity to record a much-needed win, telling Sky Sports: "Obviously it is a clear penalty, but that is the way it has been going for us.[LNB]Delight"We are a delight to watch. As great a game as it was today, I felt it was one we let slip.[LNB]"We didn't get the elusive second goal and that eventually is going to cost you, and it did do, despite the fact that the referee should have given a penalty at the end."[LNB]And O'Neill confesses that his side are struggling in their battle to overhaul fourth-placed Arsenal in the race for a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League.[LNB]"It is a blow because we are running out of games," he added. "If it had been eight or nine weeks ago, you would have taken it as a setback and got on with it.[LNB]"But with games running out it is a pretty bad blow."[LNB]