Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill not giving up the fight
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill remains confident that his side can still claim a UEFA Champions League berth, despite suffering a third loss in four games on Sunday.
Villa were defeated 2-1 by Tottenham Hotspur on home turf after goals from Jermaine Jenas and Darren Bent put an absorbing game beyond the Midlanders.
The result means O'Neill's charges remain in fifth with Arsenal currently in the Champions League qualification places, but only on goal difference.
Villa next face Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton in the Premier League, but O'Neill has backed his players to halt their dip in form and push Arsenal all the way in the race for a top-four finish.
He told Sky Sports: "We are still there and we are still battling. The players have done terrifically well, and now they have to try and get over these disappointments.
Splendid
"They have got to go on and fight to the end and I think we are capable of doing that."
Of the display against Spurs at Villa Park, O'Neill said: "I thought we were excellent in the first half, really splendid.
"I thought the goal just after half-time was certainly a major setback because we were in control of the match, even though we were a goal behind, and it really rocked us back.
"We came back strongly towards the end but really the damage was done with that particular goal.
"We've been battling all season and there is no reason to give it up. I remember we came roaring back from two goals down against Arsenal earlier this season.
"I thought we were going to do the same again late today. But it wasn't to be."
