By Paul Brown

Martin O'Neill believes Villa's home form can be pinpointed as the major reason behind their unsuccessful Champions League bid.

O'Neill insists it hasn't been poor form - more a lack of luck at important times - which has caused their struggle for points at Villa Park.

He said: "During the course of the season, we didn't pick up enough points at home. At the start of the current campaign, you'd have thought that was unlikely.

"We have won more than our fair share of matches away from home and that speaks volumes for the team. We are not frightened of going to any arena and doing well. Therefore, we have won a significant number of games on the road.

"My own view is that we have been unlucky in a few home games. There have been matches we should have won but we drew. I'm particularly thinking about the games against Wigan, Stoke and Fulham. We should have had six extra points. They are very important at the end of the season.

"They didn't feel that significant at the time - because we were winning away from Villa Park - but they all tot up in the end.

"They [points] would have us still battling with Arsenal. You can nearly narrow it down to that.

"From that viewpoint, I think we can improve our home form next season. Some people, cynically, will say - that's not too difficult.

"Saying all that, the atmosphere at Villa Park has been fantastic - really brilliant. The atmosphere in the game against Everton was magnificent - and that was a game we were chasing all afternoon.

"The team love playing at home. The fans have come to watch us in their droves and they have stayed with us. They have been brilliant."