Aston Villa to battle on despite draw with Sunderland

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill brushed aside his team’s latest setback and predicted the race to secure fourth spot – and a place in next season’s Champions League – will go down to the last day of the season.

Villa missed the chance to move to within two points of fourth-placed Tottenham after they were held 1-1 at home to Sunderland on Wednesday – their seventh draw in 10 league outings.

O’Neill’s side remain seventh in the table and are four points adrift of fourth place with just eight games remaining.

The Northern Irishman admitted that his side had blown a great chance to stamp their authority in the race for fourth, particularly as Manchester City lost at home to Everton.

But he brushed aside his frustrations and insisted that Villa would push their rivals for a top-four finsh – Liverpool, City and Tottenham – all the way to the end of the season.

“This is definitely a case of points dropped,” O’Neill said. “There is disappointment in the dressing room, but Manchester City’s defeat to Everton keeps us in there.

“It’s going to be so tight. Had we secured all three points in just two of the games we’ve recently drawn then that would have made a massive difference to us.

“Tottenham will be delighted that Manchester City and ourselves have dropped points.

“But we’ve all got tough games and there will be more twists and turns yet.”

To add to Villa’s disappointment, England international Emile Heskey and Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne suffered injuries and will undergo scans ahead of Saturday’s away game at title chasing Chelsea.

“Emile has an Achilles problem and Richard is going for a scan too,” added O’Neill.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce praised Craig Gordon after the Scottish goalkeeper produced a string of fine saves to earn his side a rare away point.

Fraizer Campbell had fired Sunderland into a shock lead against the run of play at Villa Park before Norwegian international John Carew equalised before half time.

Scotland international Gordon produced a brilliant save to deny Carew the winner in the second half.

“Craig has made some wonderful saves for us this season and he was once again terrific,” said Bruce, who believes his side is one win away from securing their Premier League future.

Sunderland have 35 points and boast an 11-point safety cushion with seven games remaining.

“Is 38 points enough? I would think so,” added Bruce, whose side face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

“It’s been a tough season, but we’ve now lost once in nine games and that was against Arsenal.”