Aston Villa boss tells players: We owe fans a victory against West Ham

Apr 17 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

MARTIN O’Neill believes his side owe their fans a long-awaited home victory tomorrow for keeping the faith at Villa Park.

Villa have not won a Premier League match in front of their own supporters since their January 10 success against Albion.

O’Neill was overwhelmed by the way the claret and blue army stuck by his team during Sunday’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Everton.

And the Villa boss is plotting payback time tomorrow afternoon to reward them for their patience.

Villa Park’s reaction against Everton was in stark contrast to the strained atmosphere in the previous home game against Tottenham.

“The fans were extraordinary last week,” said O’Neill.

“They kept us in the game at 2-0, they never lost faith with us. Now we owe them a victory.

“We still feel we are in contention.

“We have to keep going. I don’t dispute the results need to improve at Villa Park. The players love playing at Villa Park.

“The response from the fans on Sunday was fantastic. They could have easily given up when we went two behind but they kept us going.”

Villa have won just five of their league games at Villa Park this season, drawing eight and losing three to take 23 points from a possible 48.

The missed opportunities at home look like being the difference between fifth place and a Champions League-busting fourth spot.