O''Neill: I have to get it right
by Ben Blackmore, 22 March 2008
Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill felt the club’s supporters had every right to vent their anger at the end of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, admitting the performance was not good enough.
Villa slumped to Michael Chopra’s late winner – virtually ending any hopes they had of finishing in the top five this season.
O’Neill admits that his team have not performed in recent weeks, and he accepted responsibility for having to put it right.
"Today was about winning what was a big game for both clubs and we were disappointing,” lamented the Villa boss.
"We failed to take any chances that came our way but you can't just point the finger at that. Our overall play was disappointing and it is my responsibility.
"We did so well at Arsenal a fortnight ago when we came within a few seconds of winning but since then we have been really disappointing.
"You would not have expected us to collect only one point from our last two home games. I have to rectify it.
"We went out knowing that Portsmouth, one of our main rivals had already lost, and we failed to take advantage."
Sunderland boss Roy Keane cut a rather happier figure after his side moved four points clear of the drop zone, and he was delighted for match-winner Michael Chopra.
"If we create chances, Michael will score but we don't create that many. In defence of him, I have played him out of position on quite a few occasions.
"Maybe criticism of him is a bit unfair but myself and the staff are delighted with him."