Aston Villa FC

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O'Neill: Tiredness to blame

05 Nov 2009 - 09:04:42

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Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill claimed fatigue was the reason behind Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at West Ham United.

The Midlands club looked set to claim a point after Ashley Youngatoned for missing a penalty by wiping out Mark Noble's first-half spot-kick.

However, following Habib Beye's late red card for a second bookable offence, Zavon Hines struck a stoppage-time winner for the Hammers to secure their first home win of the season.

It was Villa's third game in eight days and afterwards O'Neill blamed tiredness.

"We got a bit tired towards the end of the game and we got beaten in the last seconds," said O'Neill.

"I think we did enough to get something out of the game. We were in the ascendancy in the first half and their goalkeeper made some good saves.

"We looked a very good threat and thought we would go on to win it. You can lose a goal at any stage but it is disappointing to lose at that stage.

"We looked tired in the last 15 minutes but it is not an excuse."