It was almost a complete reversal of what happened a few weeks ago when Juan Pablo Angel nearly cost us and Barry saved his blushes against Spurs. Yesterday Juan Pablo Angel saved the blushes of captain Gareth Barry.

I've seen the clip twenty odd times now and it looks that Barry is putting up his hands to protect his face. The ball wasn't travelling at a very fast speed but a natural reaction is to protect yourself.

Taylor nearly got to the penalty as did James after he brought down Agbonlahor after a very good through ball from Davis. The thing is James shouldn't have been allowed to stay on the pitch and should have been sent off. He made no attempt to get the ball; just Gabby.

I'm not sure but I suspect Martin O'Neill isn't very happy about James staying on or the two points from a potential nine. Let's just hope Aston Villa get all three when they travel to Sheffield next.

It didn't look like Portsmouth's defenders were going to get back and Gabriel Agbonlahor looked like he was going to slide it across goal. I know Portsmouth had their keeper ready to come on because they thought David James was going to get sent off. - Martin O'Neill

Portsmouth did have Mendes sent off with a few minutes to go but there wasn't enough time for Villa to really take advantage and the players were tired.

It was a fair draw, echoed by Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp.

I thought when we went ahead we might have held on for the three points, but I suppose it was a fair result. It was an entertaining game, with some great end to end stuff being played at a high tempo, and the supporters must have enjoyed it. - Harry Redknapp

Last season we wouldn't have drawn that match. After Portsmouth went 2-1 up we would have folded. That's the difference between last season and this and it's a great build block to move forward on.

Andy was the only visitor to predict 2-2 so he'll be getting an email from me soon wanting to know his personal details so I know where to send the Aston Villa shirt he's just won.

Next week or actually, the week after next as we play Sheffield United on Monday, is a must win. If we fail to pick up the points in Sheffield some might start to ask a few questions.