Arsenal FC

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• Manager:Arsene Wenger

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Wenger: Point will be vital

02 Mar 2008 - 11:49:48

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Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's last-gasp point gained from their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa will have a huge bearing on the outcome of this year's title race.

Substitute Nicklas Bendtner's equaliser deep into stoppage time at the Emirates Stadium cancelled out a Philippe Senderos own goal and kept the Gunners at the top of the table by just one point over Manchester United.

Had the north London club lost on Saturday, then United's 3-0 victory at Fulham would have moved them to the summit on goal difference.

"The point we gained today will have a big impact on the league," claimed Wenger. "If we had lost, that would be different, but we are still top.

"Everyone goes through a bad spell, but every point gained is of vital importance.

"I know we are not the peoples' favourites any more for the title, but we are still a point in front, we have lost just once all season and we just need to bounce back from this bad spell.

"In terms of momentum, Manchester United have it, but my favourites are Arsenal."

Meanwhile, Wenger conceded the late equaliser had also boosted their chances of overcoming AC Milan in the Champions League next week.

The Gunners travel to Milan for a last 16 second leg tie having held the European champions to a goalless first meeting in London two weeks ago.

"Psychologically, if we had lost, that would have jaded our confidence," admitted Wenger. "To get a point will be a big boost."