O'Neill: Left to ponder a point

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Martin O'Neill felt his Aston Villa side could have taken all three points from their game against Liverpool.

The Villans played out a goalless draw against Rafa Benitez's men, with neither side creating many opportunities.

However, having kept the Reds at bay, O'Neill was disappointed not to have emerged from the Villa Park contest with a confidence-boosting success.

"It was a really tough game, but we expected to create more chances than we have done," he told Sky Sports 1.

Effort

"But having said that we probably carved out the best chance, the best piece of football in the game, when John Carew had a chance cleared off the line.

"But overall it was tough and I thought they have played to get something out of the game and I thought our effort was terrific. We kept going right to the end.

"We have a habit of scoring goals, but also letting a few in at the other end, so I thought today, if we kept a clean sheet, we would win - but it wasn't to be.

"But we'll learn a lot because that's a big, tough game for us, physically it was demanding and we'll have gained from that."

Compliment

O'Neill was also pleased to see Liverpool show Ashley Young the kind of respect his recent performances have warranted.

"They had a full-back going out to him all the time, not bothering about what's going on in behind him and just to keep an eye on him," he added.

"He might have been frustrated but it's a massive compliment when a side like Liverpool decides he is incredibly dangerous and must be taken care of."

Much of the pre-match hype had focussed on Gareth Barry and his summer-long transfer saga linking him with a move to Merseyside.

Grudges

However, having seen that move fail to materialise, O'Neill was delighted the midfielder received the full backing of the Villa faithful.

"It was fantastic, as it has been ever since he came on as a substitue against Odense in the qualifying rounds for the Uefa Cup," he said.

"The reception he has got every single time, home and away, has always been fantastic and I think that will help.

"It's not as if anyone holds grudges and we are more than pleased that he's with us for the foreseeable future."