Sunday 28 December 2014 19:56, UK
Ron Vlaar believes Aston Villa were good value for a point after their 0-0 draw with Sunderland in the Premier League.
Villa were reduced to 10 men for the third time in four matches after Fabian Delph was given his marching orders for a challenge on Jordi Gomez, but Vlaar believes his side’s work-rate was enough to earn a share of the spoils.
“Going down to 10-men again was tough,” the defender told Sky Sports. “We worked incredibly hard and we definitely earned a point.
“Seeing the work ethic we showed today I’m pleased with a point and no goals conceded.
“Of course you want to win and you need wins at home but playing with 10 men for most of the second half and having a game two days ago, we’ll take the point.”
Vlaar, who produced a vital last-ditch tackle to deny Connor Wickham in the second half, accepted referee Martin Atkinson’s decision to show Delph a red card, but felt the decision was tough on the midfielder.
“I think it [the red card] was a little bit harsh,” added the Dutchman.
“Fabian slipped a little bit and then was just too late. Then the referee made a decision and however hard it is we had to accept it.
“I think we all gave a little bit more and I think you could not see we were one man down and for that I have to give credit to our team.”
Aston Villa have now gone four league matches without a victory but Vlaar has backed them to get back to winning ways soon.
“We’ve started to play better football and we’ve got more patience on the ball,” he said.
“We try to play football more and more. That needs time but I think we are developing and the results will come.”
