O'Leary delighted with over-achieving Villa

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary watched his side blow the chance to seize the advantage in the race for the final Champions League place after a 0-0 draw with 10-man Newcastle, but admitted he was still coming to terms with how well his side were doing.

The visitors, who like Villa needed a win to leapfrog present fourth-place incumbents Liverpool, had Andy O’Brien sent off in only the ninth minute and held on grimly for a point at Villa Park.