Villa Verdict

Last updated : 19 November 2006 By Paul Farrington

Paul Jewell

"I'm disappointed we didn't get the three points today. I was very heartened by the performance and I thought we were terrific today, especially in the first half.

"We created lots of opportunities and probably didn't work the keeper often enough. But I thought we were very good today. In fact, I feel the first half is as well as we have played all season.

"I thought the whole team was really, really good. It was disappointing only getting a point, but I've got to say I'm pleased with the performance."

Martin O'Neill

"This was a hard-fought point and not too many teams come here and take anything from the game. We've had to work hard and were rewarded for all that effort and commitment.

"When you consider we were without Gavin McCann and Stiliyan Petrov, the achievement is all the more impressive.

"The lads who've come in have not let us down and players like Isaiah will only benefit from this experience. Filling-in for players like McCann and Petrov is a man-sized job.

"
Wigan made a good start and might have been in front after just a minute. I thought Thomas' save might have galvanised us, but it had the opposite effect and they made a great start.

"I do think we gradually got into the game and there were times when we were a threat on the break.

"There weren't too many chances though and I think Wigan would have felt hard done by if we'd nicked a winner as we finished strongly.

"In the end though, I would have settled for four points from six going into away games at Everton and Wigan. That's a pleasing return and we're still up there in the top half of the table."