Martinez happy with Villa performance and wants repeat on Saturday

Roberto Martinez was pleased with the reaction his players showed on Tuesday night, putting in a bold performance against Aston Villa and unlucky not to get anything out of the game.

The Gaffer demanded his team put on a strong home display and having got just that he now wants them to continue that form going into Saturday's clash with Burnley.

"The players showed their right reaction and we didn't deserve to finish with nothing," said Martinez.

"We tried to attack at every opportunity but we conceded two unfortunate goals.

"The players gave me everything they had, it was a very even game and we have been left with a very sour taste.

"We showed a fantastic reaction to going 1-0 down to an own goal, and it was unfortunate we couldn't get something out of the game.

"We forced Villa to defend very, very well especially in the second half and we were just missing that little bit of luck or that final pass that would have enabled us to get something out of the game.

"We need to take the positives out of the game and take them into Saturday, which is now an even more important game for us.

Not one to single out players Martinez did applaud the efforts of Marcelo Moreno who worked tirelessly and effectively up-front, and the organized, brave display by centre-half Gary Caldwell whose first-half goal had cancelled out Villa's opener:

He said: "Marcelo worked extremely hard and it was pleasing to see him get the rewards for all of the hard work he has put in.

"He was playing against two very centre-backs in the league and he held the ball up well and allowed us to move up the pitch.

"Gary's performance was at the high level he has showed since he has been here. He was a rock again at the back and I was pleased to see the reaction he showed to Saturday.

"It's important we re-group and get ready as a football for what will be a very important game on Saturday.

"If we can keep our standards up, I'm sure we will get the reward that the players deserve.

"We cannot play in the same manner as we did against Villa and not get anything out of the game."