Martin O’Neill saluted super-sub Marlon Harewood after his arrival turned the game against Liverpool last night.
Boss O’Neill introduced Harewood in the 66th minute as Villa trailed the Reds 1-0 and within three minutes the former West Ham striker had dragged his side level with a spectacular overhead kick.
The visitors led three minutes after through Olof Mellberg before being pegged back by Peter Crouch’s 88th minute leveller.
O’Neill was especially pleased with Harewood, saying: “I thought Marlon did brilliantly when he came on.
“We started to turn the tide when he came on. He made a big impression because we got the equaliser and got in front.
“It’s been a frustrating time for Marlon because the players in his position have been playing exceptionally well.
“In Gabby Agbonlahor you are talking about a player on the threshold of playing for his country.
“John Carew has played well alongside him and before that Luke Moore had come in.
“Marlon has had to battle through all of that so naturally he’s got a bit down, but in training sessions he’s still perky and wants to have a go.”
O’Neill admitted being frustrated at his side’s first-half performance when they kept giving the ball away.
“In the first half we didn’t get it down and play the way we have been,” confessed the boss.
“We gave the ball away very cheaply when we had it and we had a better chance to pass the ball at times than we thought.
“Maybe it might have been the atmosphere of Anfield – whatever the case, we struggled.
“At half-time I thought we could get something from the game, but we needed to have more belief.
“The media listen to me talk about self belief, but it took us a bit of time last night.
“So overall I was delighted we got something from the game, but I was disappointed we didn’t see it through.
“But a draw was a great result, although we had a great chance to make it 3-1.
“I thought it was a really great effort in the second half. I was pleased with the captain Nigel Reo-Coker and I was particularly pleased with the whole team – they have put a big effort in this season.”
Liverpool fans voiced their protests at American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett with banners and the odd chant during the game, but O’Neill denied the demonstration benifitted the Villa players.
“I don’t think their crowd helped us at all – as everyone could see, they’re right behind the manager,” he said.
“They’ve shown a great loyalty to him and he’s only repayed that by winning the Champions League – it’s not bad is it?
“I don’t think the ownership debate affected the game. I think that’s a side issue and the crowd were right behind the manager.”
Share this article:
What are these?