Aston Villa's current form would worry any side, says Martin O'Neill

May 2 2008

MARTIN O'Neill believes that Villa's form right now would make them a worry for any side in the Premier League.

Seventeen goals from four games is the stuff dreams are often made of but you won't find O'Neill pinching himself.

"I think teams would genuinely be concerned about us",

he said. "Everton gave us all the respect in the world on Sunday. The players have earned that respect."

Villa tackle a Wigan side tomorrow who have scored only 32 goals this season - less than half that of Villa - with only Derby (19) having netted fewer.

"The great thing about it is that we are capable of scoring goals", said O'Neill. "We have shown that now. I accept the fact that Arsenal in midweek scored six goals and so went above us in terms of scoring more, but we are still the third highest scorers in the Premier League with a few more goals than Chelsea and a few more goals than Liverpool. It has been a really fantastic effort."

Wigan have kept clean sheets in six of the last 10 matches. But away from home Steve Bruce's side have continually struggled, picking up just two points from a last possible 18 on the road.