Martin O'Neill admitted that it would be "very difficult" for Aston Villa to clinch a Champions League spot.

The Villa boss' comments came after his side fought back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Everton, leaving them eight points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

"Either ourselves or Everton had to win to keep the challenge alive," he said.

"It is going to be very difficult now with Arsenal having won at Wigan on Saturday. It's looking slightly less than rosy now."

Everton were twice two goals ahead thanks to strikes from Marouane Fellaini, Tim Cahill and Steven Pienaar.

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But replies from John Carew and James Milner and a penalty from Gareth Barry ensured that Villa came away from the thriller with a point.

"We were terrific going forward, but we're not too strong defensively at the moment although that might have led to the entertainment," said the former Wycombe, Leicester and Celtic boss.

"I thought the players showed fantastic ability and determination to fight back."

Everton manager David Moyes believed two of Villa's three goals were "debatable".

Villa's second goal, scored by Milner, came from a free-kick after Cahill was judged to have fouled Gareth Barry. And Villa's equaliser was a penalty, awarded following Joleon Lescott's challenge on Stiliyan Petrov.

"I'm not too sure it was a foul on Barry for the free-kick," said the Scot.

"I don't think Joleon made contact with Petrov. I think the decision was harsh, but referee Howard Webb was put under a lot of pressure today."

Moyes added: "We were ahead twice and didn't see it through. But when you come to Villa you have to expect them to not lie down."

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