Aston Villa FC

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• Manager:Gerard Houllier

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O'Neill delight at Villa belief

03 Sep 2007 - 07:26:53

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Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes Sunday's win over Chelsea will provide his players with the boost they need to secure a high-placed finish in the Premier League.

Zat Knight capped a dream debut following his £3.5million move from Fulham last week with the opening goal, before Gabby Agbonlahor wrapped up the points with a late second at Villa Park.

"It's great to beat one of these sides. We drew a number of games against the bigger sides last season, but to get the three points will give the players a real boost," he told the club's official website.

"It was a rousing spectacle. We came here with all guns blazing to try and win the game.

"It was 0-0 at half-time and we knew the first goal was going to be so important. They are a really class side and you don't want to go behind.

"But we got the goal and what a moment it was for Zat Knight. After that we kept going and as Chelsea came forward in droves to try and get something out of the game, we were pegged back.

"But we scrapped away and got the second goal on the break.

"We have a bit to go yet but that result and performance is really encouraging.

"We needed a result like that to give the players belief that they can play and perform against the big sides."