O'Neill proud of players

Villa boss delighted with victory over Spurs

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 1st January 2008

Martin ONeill

O'Neill: Thrilled

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Martin O'Neill paid tribute to the 'fantastic desire' of his Aston Villa side following the 2-1 victory over Tottenham.

Jermain Defoe looked to have rescued a point for Spurs when his excellent finish cancelled out Olof Mellberg's earlier header.

But Martin Laursen popped up five minutes from time to clinch the points for Villa and maintain their excellent form over the festive period.

Villa have collected eight points from their last four games but O'Neill admits he was anxious about the visit of Juande Ramos' side.

"I was worried before the game because Tottenham have been in fantastic form," O'Neill told Sky Sports 1.

"I was concerned about our energy because of the big efforts in games we've played recently.

"I thought we dominated proceedings in the first half and I thought our energy might drop a little but we showed fantastic desire.

"No-one epitomised that more than Laursen. He was incredible tonight."

Massive win

Mellberg believes the win over Spurs will provide a perfect springboard for Villa to be successful in the second half of the season.

"It's a very important victory," he said.

"We were talking about the period at Christmas and last season we didn't do that well and we struggled after that.

"These games are massive, especially Tottenham. It's a big win and to get a win at home is important."