Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier felt his side's extra-time Carling Cup performance against Burnley in midweek had an impact on their performance during the 0-0 draw with Birmingham. The Second City derby was for most of time a fiery but chanceless affair, although Villa could have won it late on when Ashley Young hit the bar. He said: "We lacked a bit of freshness, imagination and creativity. I think we have to take into account most of us played two hours in midweek. "I'm happy with the effort and that we really competed in a tight derby. "Maybe we lacked a bit of stamina but in the last half-hour we were better because we brought on fresh legs and maybe the best chances fell to Ciaran Clark and Young."
Source: PA
Source: PA