O'Neill delighted by Agbonlahor

Gabriel Agbonlahor
12 April 2012

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill claimed Gabriel Agbonlahor was a worthy matchwinner in Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham.

Agbonlahor produced his first league strikes since December 12 to lift his tally for the season to 12 as Villa left Craven Cottage with a comfortable 2-0 victory.

"I know that strikers need to score goals to keep themselves alive and give themselves confidence," said O'Neill. "I learnt from a brilliant previous manager that sometimes you don't get your just deserts on the day. Gabriel taking those two goals were as much about his performance against Arsenal on Wednesday night. He got his deserts and he was fantastic."

O'Neill was drawn into a war of words with Arsene Wenger when the Arsenal boss claimed after the rivals' midweek goalless draw that Villa rely on long-ball tactics.

But there was little evidence to support Wenger's view as Villa used a passing game to kill the match off by half-time, ending their four-match winless run.

"I'm pleased to be back to winning ways. I'm delighted with the team and thought we deserved to win," said O'Neill.

"We scored two great goals and that helped us because we'd gone a few matches in the league without scoring, though the performances have been good. Winning was a big boost."

In response to Wenger's comments, he added: "We have centre-backs who are as comfortable with the ball at their feet as any pairing in the Premier League.

"We definitely can play the ball. Perhaps the comment was overblown at the time.

"Had I really reflected on the comment and given it overnight thought, I wouldn't have even mentioned it. But it was a silly thing to say."

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