Arsene Wenger Pleased With Villa Win

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said it was vital for his side to beat Aston Villa after two “terrible” home defeats.

The Gunners overcame Villa after being dumped out of the FA Cup by Blackburn and a 3-1 defeat by Bayern Munich in a last 16 first-leg Champions League tie.

“We had two massive disappointments and it was important to win,” said Wenger.

The Gunners have scored 10 goals in the final 10 minutes of Premier League games this season – only Reading (11) have netted more in this period.

“It is infectious what happens in the FA Cup and Champions League. To lose big games one after the other was absolutely terrible.”

Santi Cazorla’s two goals either side of Andreas Weimann’s goal for Villa gave Arsenal victory, although it was not a convincing performance from the Gunners – although they moved to within a point of fourth place.

“We went through some difficult times and it was important for us to show we are united, determined and focused to win the game,” Wenger told the media.

“We were a bit nervous – I concede that – because we are under a lot of pressure and we had our backs to the wall. We had to win and we did, even when things went against us.”

Wenger, who has failed to win any silverware for Arsenal since 2005, insisted before the match that he had not contemplated quitting but he believes the job of managing has become more difficult.

“It is a bit more challenging now,” he said. “I don’t think it is down to the methods of coaching. training or managing the team. It’s just that you multiply the opinions by thousands.”

Agencies