Source: Daily_Mail
Aston Villa 0 Arsenal 0: Wenger's 'long-ball' dig after Vermaelen breaks leg
Thomas Vermaelen suffered a suspected broken leg as a furious war of words between Arsene Wenger and Martin O'Neill soured an engrossing night at Villa Park. [LNB]The Arsenal centre half will go to hospital this morning with his manager fearing he has cracked his fibula during a night when the Gunners' title credentials were given a severe examination. [LNB]But no sooner had Wenger confirmed the probable prognosis is either a broken leg or damaged nerve than a slanging match broke out between himself and O'Neill. [LNB] Huge blow: Injured Arsenal striker Eduardo leaves the field[LNB]Asked for his comments on a fiercely contested 90 minutes, Wengersaid: 'It was a very difficult game because they stopped us playingwhen we had the ball. [LNB]'They played a very long-ball game. So we couldn't find our passinggame. You know when you come here what you get and we were notdisappointed. [LNB]'We got a very English game, very physical, counter-attacking with their fast forwards. They want the ball and they are quick. [LNB]'That's why it was always us creating chances and then them trying to get Agbonlahor or Heskey away with a long ball.' [LNB]Villa manager O'Neill did not take kindly to the perceived slur andhit back with a barb of his own as the heat rose after the finalwhistle. [LNB]He said: 'If that's what he saw tonight, that's as ridiculous astatement as I've heard. He's made a few ridiculous statements in histime here and that's probably as good as any. [LNB] Fall guys: Arsenal defender William Gallas tangles with Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor[LNB]'It's an annoyance at the end of it all. Anyone who saw the game wouldn't take that viewpoint. [LNB]'If Ashley Young played some long balls tonight, well he didn'thave the time to play long balls when he was taking Arsenal's left backto the cleaners, did he? It's an appalling insult. [LNB]'Arsenal caused us problems and we had a bit of luck when they hitthe post and crossbar but we did not deserve to lose in this game.' [LNB]Tensions between Wenger and O'Neill rose last season whenaccusations flew that Villa had tried to influence the referee duringhalf time. That had left a bitter taste in the mouth and clearly therelationship has become strained further. And like the two managers,neither defence was prepared to give way, either. [LNB]Wenger was the more disappointed, although there can be little doubt that the outcome was fair. [LNB] [LNB]Arsenal, who brought their big names back after the FA Cup defeat atStoke on Sunday, wanted to go into a run of fixtures against ManchesterUnited, Chelsea and Liverpool with victory at Villa Park.[LNB] But that was easier said than done on a night when his injury woes worsened. [LNB]Despite hitting the woodwork in each half, the overwhelming pressurewas thrust upon Manuel Almunia's goal and Vermaelen's injury, alongwith a hamstring strain suffered by Eduardo, means the Arsenaltreatment table will once again be taking the strain. [LNB]Confirming the news about Vermaelen, Wenger said: 'He will have anX-ray. He is on crutches at the moment. It's either his fibula or it isa nerve. We should find out in the morning.' [LNB]Sol Campbell slipped effortlessly into the void left by the Belgian10 minutes before the interval and now faces the daunting prospect of athird match in a week against the current champions on his return tothe Emirates this Sunday. [LNB] Keep sake: Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel dashes out to block Andrey Arshavin[LNB]He acquitted himself well during the defeat at the Britannia Stadium and showed great composure after replacing Vermaelen. [LNB]But it will be an entirely different matter against Wayne Rooney andCo this weekend, although the Manchester United striker won't be toohappy to see Campbell's return. He has been quoted as saying the veteran defender was among his most difficult opponents.[LNB] For long spells last night Campbell and William Gallas had to be attheir best. O'Neill was correct in his assessment of Young, who swungover a number of teasing centres that needed prompt action. [LNB] Suspected leg break: Sol Campbell replaces Vermaelen at Villa Park[LNB][LNB]But Arsenal twice went closest. Just as the first half drew to aclose, Fabregas reminded everyone of his talent after what was, by hisstandards, a quiet opening. He picked up the ball 35 yards from goal,slipped past James Collins and his low shot bounced into the foot ofthe post. To add to the visitors' frustration, two Arsenal playerscollided with one another as they chased the loose ball. [LNB]After Stewart Downing headed one delicious Young centre wide, Arsenal again hit the goal frame. [LNB]Andrey Arshavin had been little more than a peripheral figure untilhe received the ball at pace down the left flank. He drifted insideCarlos Cuellar, then around Collins and it was only Friedel'squick-thinking that blocked his shot. The ball fell to Fabregas, whoshowed fantastic presence of mind to side-foot the ball to TomasRosicky with Friedel struggling to race back to protect his goal.Rosicky controlled and then slammed a shot into the underside of thebar. [LNB]From then on, Arsenal were content to allow Villa to make most of the running, with Young eager to take a starring role. [LNB]'I believe we dropped two points,' added Wenger. [LNB]'We had the chances. On the other hand it keeps our run going. It maintains the positive vibes.' Try telling that to O'Neill.[LNB] Arsenal target Klaas Jan Huntelaar pleads for playing time anywhere in EuropeCraig Gardner seals £3m dream move from Aston Villa to BirminghamASTON VILLA FC
