Villa's Champions League challenge splutters

04-13-2009 | AFP

The Birmingham’s team made a brave effort, but it was not enough

Panama Star BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND. Aston Villa's bid to qualify for the Champions League looks over despite a superb second half fightback to draw 3-3 against Everton on Sunday.

Martin O'Neill's side needed a win to close the gap on fourth-placed Arsenal but in the end they were grateful for a point at Villa Park after trailing 3-1 early in the second half.

Goals from Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill put Everton in control before John Carew got one back for the hosts.

Steven Pienaar looked to have won it for David Moyes's visitors but Villa salvaged a draw through James Milner's free-kick and a Gareth Barry penalty.

Although Villa deserve credit for their spirited revival, which stopped a run of four successive defeats, O'Neill's team are now eight points behind Arsenal with just six games to play. After a long spell in the top four, Villa have lost form at the wrong time and are likely to end up alongside sixth placed Everton in the UEFA Cup. - soon to be renamed the Europa League - next season.

Everton kept up the pressure and South African midfielder Pienaar curled a shot just wide, then Cahill forced Friedel into a smart stop.

O'Neill's men cracked again after 23 minutes as Cahill grabbed his ninth goal of the season.