Angel sets Villa target
25/04/2005 - 09:07:20Juan Pablo Angel has claimed that Aston Villa need to win their next two games against Tottenham and Manchester City if dreams of Europe are to remain a reality.
Angel is aware that Martin Jol’s Tottenham side – in action tonight against Arsenal – pose the main threat to their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Cup via seventh spot in the Premiership.
Whatever the outcome of Tottenham’s clash with the Gunners, Angel knows that Villa, currently ninth, have to beat the White Hart Lane side and then City if they are to stay on course.
The need for a Villa win at White Hart Lane has been heightened after draws in their last three home matches with West Brom, Charlton and Bolton.
Angel told the Press Association: “It has very disappointing to drop the four points in the two home games we’ve had in the past week.
“From the last three games, Southampton away, Charlton home and Bolton home, we had a really great opportunity to get the nine points.
“But that has gone now. We have to look ahead – and win at Tottenham.
“We know we’ve had a great opportunity to be up there for the European places. If we expect to be in Europe next year, we have to win the next two games at least.
“I know it is going to be very difficult but if we want to be in there we have to produce the goods.”
Despite their lengthy injury list, it has been the lack of goals from the likes of Angel, Darius Vassell and Carlton Cole which has resulted in a frustrating season for Villa.
Villa manager David O’Leary said: “We should have scored more goals this season with the way we have played and the chances we have created.
“Goals win and turn games and we have failed to do this. We have been missing too many chances all season.
“We should have won the last three home games. We haven’t been scoring enough goals for a team that creates chances and plays the way we try to do.”
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