Thursday Mar 13 2008 08:19
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill admitted his side didn't deserve any more than the point they took from their 1-1 home draw with Middlesbrough.
Gareth Barry's 78th minute penalty salvaged a stalemate for the Midlands club on Wednesday, but their hopes of securing European football for next season took a dent.
Villa are now seven points adrift of fifth place which is likely to be the only spot to yield a UEFA Cup place.
"We didn't deserve any more than a point from the game," admitted O'Neill.
"We didn't play well. We played very poorly and it was particularly disappointing in the first half. If was 40 minutes before we had a shot on goal.
"I felt beforehand we were ready for the game but things never materialised for us.
"While there was some improvement in the second half, we did not put Middlesbrough under enough pressure all evening.
"We didn't create enough and that was the biggest disappointment. I am very disappointed, this was an opportunity to stay with the bunch and we didn't take it.
"Middlesbrough played very well and caused us plenty of problems, but if we are going to be contesting this then we have to win games when we are not playing at our best."
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