Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

Villa win a relief for O'Neill

14 Dec 2008 - 11:04:32

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill was relieved to see his side hit back to secure a 4-2 home victory over an in-form Bolton Wanderers side.

The win enhanced Villa's credentials as possible challengers to the big four, with O'Neill admitting that his side had been pushed hard by the visitors to Villa Park.

He told the club's official website: "I am delighted. We had to work exceptionally hard for the win.

"Eventually, it seemed reasonably comfortable, although I never really thought that for one minute.

"It certainly didn't feel comfortable when we were a goal behind and they hit the bar with a header. At that stage, it might have been a long way back for us.

"But we have ability in the side and character as well. I know the word character is overused, but I think we do possess that.

"The result was big for us because I knew, having seen Bolton last week, it was never going to be easy."

O'Neill went on to praise Gabriel Agbonlahor, who scored twice to help see off the Trotters.

He added: "Gabby was exceptional. I thought he was terrific last week against Everton as well even though he didn't score.

"But he got his rewards today and I thought his performance was absolutely sensational and his first goal was a vital part of the game.

"We were finding it difficult after Bolton had scored, they looked quite comfortable at that stage, but Gabby's goal was a terrific effort.

"We needed a piece of magic to equalise and after that I felt we took charge of the game."