QUOTES

Fergie:

"The boys were keen to finish it off and when we got our chances we needed a bit of composure at times. But when it's tight in a game the anxiety can creep in a bit.

"We fought hard in the second half and defended very well. In games like that you have to fight hard.

"We need to win eight games for the title and I know we are capable of doing that. At this stage of the season it is all about getting three points from matches.

"I was not displeased with the performance of my side but I have to say that if I were Graham Taylor I would be feeling unfortunate not to have come away without at least a draw."

DB07:

‘We made hard work of it. We had a few chances in the first half but didn't put them away. The ball was bobbling all over the pitch and that didn't help.

"I should have scored earlier but I was aware of the bobbly pitch, Still, I should have scored it."

'It is important for us to carry on getting three points. We are getting a few 12:30 kick-offs but that is how it is.'

'We have played 30 Premiership game and in 15 of them failed to score.

'I have said this so many times. We have gone three games without scoring. Look at how many chances we have had. The finishing is very wayward.

'We had 12 against Birmingham and none on target. At home you should be able to concede one goal and not lose.

'It was absolutely vital a game of football was played here in the right way. We needed to get some sense back to Villa Park. I am glad that's happened.'

"I watched the Manchester United match at Villa and that game could have turned either way. There is a long way to go and everyone will drop points."

"We did not have the legs to win the game and were beaten too many times in 50-50s and lost balls we usually don't lose. At the end of the day we deserved to lose the game - we were not unlucky.

"Tiredness is not an excuse, it's an explanation but I'm not even sure it's the right one. We still could have won the game and threw it away with the goals we have given away.

"We were not completely reassuring defensively. I just think it was an off-day. I was very, very frustrated of course."