Booing Villa fans anger O'Neill

Martin O'Neill has criticised the Aston Villa fans who booed striker Gabriel Agbonlahor during Sunday's 2-1 home defeat by Tottenham.

Agbonlahor, who has netted 11 goals this season but only two since mid-December, was targeted by Villa fans when he was substituted on 79 minutes.

"Gabby's been fantastic for this club and I'm very disappointed with what happened," said Villa boss O'Neill.

"I've got to tell you that is no way to treat him after what he has done here."

Villa's bid to secure England's fourth Champions League place has hit the buffers in recent weeks, with just one point collected from a possible 15.

O'Neill's side, whose next two league games are at Liverpool and then Manchester United, are also without a win since 7 February when they beat Blackburn 2-0 at Ewood Park.

Despite that woeful run, O'Neill believes Villa can pip Arsenal to fourth.

"In November we lost two games in six days and then went on a 13-match unbeaten run," he said.

"We probably have to get something from the next two games which will be pretty difficult, but I believe it is possible that we can still fight back, and the players feel that, too."

BBC SPORT