O'Neill puzzled by penalties
25 Oct 2006 - 11:40:50
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has admitted his side have benefited from some curious refereeing decisions in recent weeks.
The Villains' goal in last weekend's 1-1 draw against Fulham came from a dubiously awarded spot-kick, while they were handed two penalties during Tuesday's thrilling 3-2 Carling Cup success against Leicester City.
Gareth Barry scored the first but saw the second saved by Foxes goalkeeper Paul Henderson to send the third round tie into extra-time.
O'Neill said: "At this moment, in terms of being given some generous penalties, it looks as if things are favouring us."
Having twice squandered the lead in normal time, Villa went on to secure victory with a 119th-minute Gabriel Agbonlahor goal, but it was his former club who most impressed O'Neill.
He added: "I'm delighted we have won the game, but Leicester were magnificent this evening.
"We started very brightly, got the opening goal and played some flowing football. If we had scored again, it might have been a decent evening for us.
"But it was never to be, and I should have realised you don't get things too easy in this game.
"Leicester came roaring back and deserved to take the game into extra time, but in the last 30 minutes we strived for a goal and got there in the end, but it was a long evening."