Draw 'reasonable outcome' for O'Neill

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

In a match of few opportunities, Stewart Downing's shot which inadvertently deflected off Villa team-mate John Carew but hit the side-netting with goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen wrong-footed and Stoke defender Robert Huth's late header over the top were probably the best for both sides.

"We would love to have won the game but it was never going to be easy," said O'Neill. "Stoke are always very difficult, so maybe it was a reasonable outcome. There weren't many chances in the game and the wind didn't help matters."

He added: "It was a tough afternoon. We defended very stoutly indeed and the game didn't have that many clear-cut chances. At the end of the day a draw was probably a fair result."

Stoke have lost just once at home since the turn of the year - to Arsenal - and have had only two defeats at the Britannia since September 26.

Potters boss Tony Pulis praised his side for their work-rate after a third match in a week.

"It was a very windy day and I thought the teams were very honest and committed," he said.

"When it blows you it is ever so difficult. You think it is windy and cold up in that [main] stand but you get down by that pitch and it is very blustery.

"We've had a very busy period and a three-game week and when you catch a top team in your third game, it is always very difficult - especially when they haven't played in midweek.

"However, I thought we got stronger as the game wore on and in the last 30 minutes we were the stronger team and were the ones pushing forward and had the better opportunities."