Aston Villa FC

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Wenger insult annoys O'Neill

28 Jan 2010 - 09:26:35

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Martin O'Neill has reacted angrily to claims made by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that his Aston Villa side play a long ball game.

Wenger made the comments in the wake of Wednesday's goalless draw between the two teams at Villa Park, a result that left O'Neill's side seventh in the Premier League table.

It was Villa's fourth league game without a goal although they have found the net regularly in both the Carling and FA Cup in the last few weeks.

Wenger had said after the stalemate: "I believe we dropped two points because we had clear chances but it was a very difficult game.

"They stopped us from playing when we had the ball and when they had the ball. They played a very long ball game, closed us down and it was very difficult for us. We know when you come here what you get and we were not disappointed.

"Villa play a very efficient English game with long balls and are very physical."

However, O'Neill hit back by saying: "If that's what he saw tonight, well that's a ridiculous statement. He's made a few ridiculous statements in his time here (in England) and that's as good as any. That's an appalling insult.

"I thought we played splendidly in the game. Their keeper made a great save from Gabby (Agbonlahor) early on and Ashley Young produced some incredible balls into the box that just needed a touch on them.

"Arsenal caused us problems and we had a bit of luck when they hit the post and crossbar but we didn't deserve to lose this game."