Referee could not handle United game

I AGREED with Martin O'Neill that the key decision in Saturday's match with Manchester United was 'too big' for the referee to make.

Villa had matched them all afternoon and if the decision had gone our way it could have buried United.

Nemanja Vidic clearly fouled Gabby Agbonlahor outside the box but challenged him fairly inside the box. I disagree that it was a sending off, though, given the angle he was coming in on goal.

We played well and contained United, and proved that we can compete with the top four after beating Arsenal so convincingly last time out.

It has been a positive start to the season by Villa with the exception of a couple of bad results against Middlesbrough and Newcastle United.

And entering the Fulham game we need another positive result as it is definitely a game we must win.

But Fulham have been in a good spell of form of late and really contained Liverpool on Saturday, so it will be a tough test for us.

Arsenal have got many problems at the moment and Villa can really turn up the heat on them, but let us not underestimate the Gunners.

They still have so much quality and one good result and things are forgotten – like they did against Manchester United a few weeks ago.

A week is a long time in football.

Elsewhere, I was pleased with Gabby's international debut last Wednesday.

He showed the raw explosive speed we know he has, but also the all-round side of his game he has worked so hard on improving.

He has deserved his chance, with injuries and drop outs he fitted right in and didn't let the occasion phase him, and he had some real bright moments in the match.

It was good to see Ashley Young get a run-out too, although it is impossible to judge a player if hasn't played at least a half of football. But we know the quality he possesses.

Gareth Barry had a solid performance in midfield and once again he proved how important he is to the England side.

Ever since he was given the chance to play regularly for England he has grabbed it, and performed well in whatever position he is asked to play.

His form and contribution to Aston Villa over the years he has been there is now reaping its reward, and he is a mainstay in the side.