Villa's defensive display delights Laursen

Aug 20 2007

DEFENDER Martin Laursen took personal satisfaction from Villa's 0-0 draw with Newcastle at St James' Park.

Despite Michael Owen making his comeback as a second-half substitute, the hosts could not make a breakthrough and it was Villa who came closest to scoring through Gabriel Agbonlahor and Nigel Reo-Coker.

Laursen said: "It went well. They didn't score and as a centre half you are happy. They have some great strikers here, when one is tired they just put another one on.

"I'm glad to see Michael Owen back, he is a great player."

Laursen himself was unfortunate not to score when his header rebounded off Steve Harper with the Magpies goalkeeper oblivious.

"I was very unlucky not to score - any other place and I would have scored but I'll get there. We played really well today. I was very pleased with our performance and then we had some possibilities to score a goal. But I think we did great.

"I think we can improve to keep the ball a bit better, perhaps we need some experienced to hold it better and not to force it all the time."