Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill slams 'arrogant' claims
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has denied claims he thought his side were arrogant against Stoke City on Sunday.
The UEFA Champions League hopefuls sacrificed a two-goal lead after Tony Pulis' Stoke side clawed a late double at Villa Park to boost their bid for Premier League survival.
O'Neill, whose team have just five home wins compared to 10 on their travels this season, claimed his side were over-confident in the post-match interview, but the Northern Irishman has come out to explain his comments.
"I thought we got a wee bit over-confident and there's a difference between over-confident and down-right arrogance," the Villa boss said.
"We are certainly not good enough to be down-right arrogant and I'm not so sure we have reached the stage of being over-confident.
"What I meant by that is we gave the ball away sloppily a couple of times in the last six or seven minutes, when it's 2-0 and occasionally just giving the impression that maybe 4-0 in front that's all."
O'Neill, whose team face a tough trip to Manchester City on Wednesday night, did admit he would rather his side be arrogant than lack confidence.
But the former Celtic and Leicester boss feels the weekend blip can be put to bed in the coming weeks in a tough set of fixtures that includes Liverpool and Manchester United.
"Deep down I'd probably prefer that in a side [than one] with no confidence whatsoever.
"In the aftermath of the result on Sunday, [I'm] obviously disappointed - disappointed we've drawn a game we should have won, but there is a long way to go.
"We're capable of getting over that and I'm just going to keep on battling because that's what it's going to be right until the end of the season."
