We Will bounce Back - The Verdict

Martin O'Neill has insisted following the loss to Chelsea that we will bounce back, and whilst the defeat was a disappointment our season isn't over like some suggest.

Speaking on the official site, O'Neill reminded the fans that being gutted at a 1-0 loss to Chelsea shows how far this club has come in such a relatively short period of time.

We also must not forget, we are sitting with points to spare in 4th place, so whilst dropping from 3rd is annoying, it's by no means the end of the world.

'It is a set-back but we are far from finished. That's the key.

'We have some really quality players and they are frustrated. But we will bounce back.

'There is no dent in belief. Absolutely not.

'We thought we could win the game beforehand and even at half-time.

'The players, in terms of effort and determination, gave everything as usual. We eventually got beaten but we are still in there fighting.

'I see the result as a set-back and as a disappointment. That's all.

'I think it's a sign of the progress we have made that we lie in fourth place in the Barclays Premier League now and we go home disappointed.'

Without wanting to find excuses given how thick and fast matches have came lately, and without me wishing to raise the squad depth/signings debates again, O'Neill offered:

'I thought we looked leggy at the start and Chelsea got into their stride really quickly.

'They passed it nicely in the middle of the field and managed to get themselves in front.

'After that, we got into the game and we hit the bar with a free-kick and I thought we were getting a bit of momentum going in the run-up to half-time.

'In the second half, we had the possession and the territory.

'We had balls flashing across the box but we were unable to touch it in.'

For the very latest Premier League odds

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.