Video: Remi Garde on Villa's performance

The visitors were the better side for much of the game at the Hawthorns, but unable to find a way past the Baggies.

They remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League, nine points from safety.

And though Garde saw encouragement in many aspects of the performance, he could not hide his disappointment a big missed opportunity.

He said: "It was encouraging but frustrating because we are bottom of the league. Many games we have played I didn't have the feeling that we were so far away from the opponent.

"It's very frustrating for the players also. I'm pleased with the collective spirit, it was much better than a few weeks ago.In terms of quality, the second half was very good.

"We passed the ball very well but in the last third we have too much difficulty."

He went on: "In terms of the result I'm a bit disappointed because in our current situation we need more than one point.

"A point is always a good one but we needed more. We tried very hard especially in the second half. When you don't score a goal you don't win for sure."

Garde remained non-committal on the game's biggest talking point, which saw referee Rob Madley wave away Villa's claims for a penalty after Jordan Ayew appeared to be fouled by Jonas Olsson.

He said:"I don't know, maybe not. It was not so obvious as the last time (last weekend against Leicester) but sometimes you get them, sometime you don't. I respect the referee."

Villa's players went over to applaud the travelling supporters at the full-time whistle.

And Garde added: "What I saw after the game - they were probably not happy but they saw ability and fight, a collective spirit.

"I just have a regret we started the season very late, it is more difficult but I have told my players if we keep playing with this spirit till the end of the season everything was still possible."