Petrov - We have character

Villa midfielder hails team's desire and determination

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 31st December 2008

Petrov - We have character

Petrov: Hails team's character

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Aston Villa midfielder Stilian Petrov believes that desire and determination are helping the team edge close encounters this season.

Late goals against Everton, West Ham and most recently Hull on Tuesday have seen Villa snatch all three points at the death in their last five league games alone.

In fact Martin O'Neill's men have had to rely on two own goals to give them maximum points in their last two away league games.

The Bulgarian international insists that the club should be given credit for their ability to snatch victory from tight games such as the Hull clash.

"We knew it was going to be difficult because Hull have struggled in recent games and will have wanted to send their fans home happy for New Year," he told the club's official website.

Pressure

"We knew we would be under pressure because they were determined to put things right.

"It was important to defend well and work hard and we did that. We knew that if we kept a clean sheet, we could create something at the other end.

"It was a piece of magic from Ashley, we were a bit lucky with the goal, but we'll take that.

"We have shown that if a game is goalless or we're behind, we never give up and we still fight.

"We want to win every game. We pushed very hard and were determined and I think we deserved to win.

"They didn't have that many chances either. It was a tight game and thankfully, we got the three points."