Wenger admits to win relief

Arsene Wenger was relieved to see Arsenal return to winning ways on Saturday, as they overcame Aston Villa 2-1.

Last Updated: 24/02/13 at 08:56 Post Comment

An FA Cup humbling at the hands of Championship side Blackburn Rovers and a UEFA Champions League mauling by Bayern Munich had heightened tensions in and around the Arsenal camp heading into the weekend.

The Gunners were, however, able to collect a third consecutive Premier League success as Santi Cazorla struck twice against Villa to lift the Gunners to within a point of the top four.

"I am relieved, of course, because it was important to get the three points today," Wenger told Sky Sports afterwards.

"We are on a good run in the Premiership. We were affected by our two major disappointments we had, you could see that on the nervous side, but we have a good spirit in this team and they were focused and determined.

"Even when it came back to 1-1, we found the resources to win the game. We could have scored many, many more goals today, but the most important thing was to get the three points.

"In the last 12 games in the Premiership, we lost two - one was against Man City with 10 men from the start and one at Chelsea. We are on a positive run and let's continue that."

Fans

Wenger saw Cazorla break the deadlock with just six minutes on the clock, and he concedes that it was important for Arsenal to start positively in front of a disgruntled Emirates support.

He added: "It was very important.

"The fans were great. Our fans are intelligent and know that we are in the battle to get as close as possible to the top and that we need their support.

"No matter how disappointed you are after the Bayern Munich game, what is important is to stick together and get the points and the wins.

"It has been a very demanding week physically and nervously and it was important not to feel sorry for yourself. We responded in a strong way today."

Meanwhile, Wenger is waiting on an update regarding the problem which forced the unfortunate Abou Diaby from the field just after the hour mark.

On the French midfielder, who has suffered countless injuries during his time in England, the Gunners boss said: "He told me he got kicked on the hip after he felt his calf. I don't know how bad it is."

Was over there today, yet again absolutely loads of empty seats. No atmosphere, lot of frustration for the majority of the game. Big 3 points but still lots of problems. We badly need a comepetition for Chesney he's been useless for most of this season.
- dirty-verbals

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Neymar to consider next move

Neymar will take his time to make a decision about his future after Santos accepted two offers for the Brazil forward.

Lescott moves on from Mancini

Joleon Lescott has refused to discuss reports of disharmony at Manchester City under Roberto Mancini as he looks to focus on the future.

Aguero happy to stay at City

Argentina striker Sergio Aguero insists he is happy at Manchester City and sees no reason to leave the club after just one trophy-less season.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved