Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier identified his side's inability to take their chances as the reason for the defeat against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday afternoon.

Villa lost 2-0 at Ewood Park after goals in either half from Morten Gamst Pedersen.

Houllier was disappointed his team had not dealt with the corner that led to Pedersen's second goal, but felt his side should have made more of their opportunities to score.

"I don't think we gave a fair account of ourselves," Houllier said.

"We had a couple of chances in the first half and when you are away from home, you need to take those chances - otherwise you can be punished.

"We then conceded a goal probably at the worst moment in the game, in (first-half) added time.

"It puts you in a different position because you know they are then going to play deeper and more defensive, and deny us space.

"The second goal was just a tactical mistake, so the difference between the two teams was a free-kick by Pedersen and a corner.

"We showed better initiative and passing afterwards and had we scored, maybe it would have changed the morale of the team - but of course we didn't."