Martin O'Neill delight over Aston Villa goal tally

Apr 29 2008 By Bill Howell

MARTIN O'Neill has paid homage to his side's goal-scoring prowess and their ability to bounce back in games from a losing position.

Eighteen points have now been accrued from matches in which Villa have fallen behind.

And their two goals at Everton took their season's tally to 69 - with 35 scored on away grounds, which is four more than Manchester United.

Villa have not scored more goals in an entire season since their 1980/81 title success.

Ron Saunders' team netted 72 in 42 games but only 64 had been scored after 36 games.

O'Neill said: "We have scored more goals than anybody away from home and we are the second-top goalscorers and I think that is a remarkable achievement.

"I think it says plenty about the players - there is a great old determination about them.

"We are capable of scoring goals. We can fashion goals from lots of positions and we never give up. That epitomised us at Everton and we have a lot to play for still."

O'Neill believes Villa have achieved their goalscoring feat in the face of the fiercest competition in years.

"I think it is an exceptionally good league. I think teams, for the most part, try to open up and play,'' he said.

"The top sides in this Premiership are as good as any sides in Europe, I think that has been proved.

"I am not saying that every time you have to play in the semi-finals of the Champions League to prove the point.

"It is exceptionally strong and those sides lead the way and other sides, like ourselves, are trying to follow suit."

Meanwhile, O'Neill does not believe Villa hold the psychological edge over Everton who have to play Arsenal and Newcastle in their final two games.

Only three points separate the two clubs and he said: "It doesn't wash with me that we have an easier run-in.

"My own view is that both clubs have exceptionally difficult matches left.

"Everton are in the driving seat, they have the advantage, but we are right behind them and we are roaring back,'' he said.