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O'Neill delight at Villa victory

24/10/2008

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill was full of praise for his "magnificent" players after they sealed a 2-1 win over Ajax in their opening Uefa Cup group match.

First-half goals from Martin Laursen and Gareth Barry ensured Thomas Vermaelen's header counted for nothing at Villa Park as the midlands side ensured they are on track for the knockout stages already.

And O'Neill said he was very pleased with the way his players responded to retake the lead following the Dutch side's equaliser on 22 minutes, as well as their approach to holding the lead in the second half.

"It was terrific," he said.

"We fought back magnificently to get ourselves in front again after their equaliser.

"In the second half we pressed them high up the pitch and took the ball off them time and again.

"They are a good side and pass very well indeed, but it should not be forgotten that we, too, have excellent players."