Villans boss hails magic Milner

15 January 2010 06:15
Milner galloped over the halfway line in the 23rd minute, released Stewart Downing and then got on the end of his cross to complete an exceptional move.[LNB]It was the England midfielder's fifth goal in 11 games and gives Villa a slight advantage going into the home leg next Wednesday.[LNB]After the 1-0 victory O'Neill said: "It was a great goal by a great player.[LNB]"He is showing splendid form. He has settled in so comfortably in central midfield. It is as if he has been there all his career.[LNB]"Sometimes it is very difficult if you are trying to make goals from wide. But he has that licence now he is inside and James is really enjoying himself.[LNB]"Great midfield players are able to carry the ball distances and are able to finish it off. That's what James did.[LNB]"I think he felt himself there was goals in his game and he was capable of doing that.[LNB]"It was great interplay with Stewart Downing. Downing still had a lot to do before producing a great cross. James follows it on the ball and puts it in the net.[LNB]"It was a big goal for us at the time and we proceeded to play really well after that."[LNB]O'Neill was angered that referee Mark Clattenburg chose to book Gabriel Agbonlahor for simulation instead of awarding a penalty following a challenge by Chris Samba.[LNB]The Villa boss also thought a spot kick should have been awarded following Pascal Chimbonda's handball.[LNB]O'Neill said: "The referee has chosen to book Gabby for diving. To accuse him of seeking an advantage, there no chance of that.[LNB]"On top of that a couple of weeks ago at Arsenal, Ashley Young ended up in an ambulance after the referee said he dived. That was ridiculous, crazy.[LNB]"Then the referee gives a free kick when one of their players (Chimbonda) blatantly handled the ball."[LNB]O'Neill added: "Considering we were away from home I thought we were splendid. We created a lot of chances but were unable to put them way.[LNB]"I was delighted with the performance. It was very pleasing indeed. We adapted well to the conditions."[LNB]Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce was left cursing his luck as Nikola Kalinic was twice denied by the post.[LNB]He said: "I think overall we deserved at least a draw as we did enough in the second half.[LNB]"But it is our Achilles heel, this time it is millimetres of woodwork that have cost us a goal.[LNB]"We don't know why it is not going our way. But hopefully it will happen in the second leg. You need a bit of good fortune to get all the way to Wembley.[LNB]"It will be a big ask for the players next week but we have to make sure we give it our best shot. Getting the first goal will help."[LNB][LNB] To Contest Final. Click here to bet.  

Source: Team_Talk