O'Neill expects tough finish
28 Apr 2008 - 09:07:58
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill still believes Everton are favourites to finish fifth this season even after his side twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Goodison Park on Sunday.
The result leaves Villa three points behind David Moyes' side with two games of the season remaining although Everton have the tougher run-in.
O'Neill said after the draw: "To still be in it with two games to go is pretty remarkable for us. Now we have two difficult games. Everton's programme is also tough.
"But my view is that if you're three points clear with two games to go then you're in the sort of position I'd like to be in.
"Of course it's going to be tough. We have Wigan playing with renewed vigour, and we must then go to West Ham while Everton finish at home to Newcastle.
"We had to fight back twice in the second period from a goal down, and I felt it was a brilliant effort by our team.
"We've scored a lot of goals this season, mostly through very good play. And in this one we showed great determination to stay alive, and that was particularly pleasing.
"In the last couple of minutes it was the only time I felt we might lose it, but having fought back twice that would have been really harsh on us.
"This season we are the top goalscorers away from home in the league and I don't think that can be a fluke. The way we kept going in the last 15 or 20 minutes epitomised our efforts this season."
