Aston Villa 0, Chelsea 0: Gregg Evans' big match verdict
GERARD Houllier was pleased with his battling Villa side who held champions Chelsea to a goalless draw at Villa Park.
The hosts kept up their fine record on home turf against the table toppers, making it just one defeat in 12 league outings against the west London side.
At times it was tense and nervous for the hosts but they managed to weather a blue storm and hold on for a precious point.
Nigel Reo-Coker could have even won it for Villa in the dying seconds but his chipped effort sailed agonisingly wide as he pounced on an error from John Terry.
After his first home league game with the claret and blues, Houllier said he was encouraged with the result and the performance.
“One thing that was missing from that game was goals,” he said.
“I thought it was a good game of football with great pace, and two good teams.
“I thought we had better chances in the first half.
“They pushed and we were under the cosh a bit in the second half.
“I would say that it was a good game to watch because it was full of emotion.
“They hit the post, we hit the post and we had chances at the beginning and at the end.
“I think at the end you could see some of the players were lacking match fitness, but it’s getting better.
“I think we are getting nearer the 90 minutes. It will take time but we’re getting there.
“Proof of that is Stiliyan Petrov.
“In the previous two games, I took him off because I think he was not finishing his game in the right way physically.” Goalless draws are often drab affairs, but this game burst into life in the second half with chances at either end.
Reo-Coker’s glorious chance to steal it for the hosts at the death followed a 90th-minute chance for Nicolas Anelka at the other end.
