Wenger commends defiant Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed his side’s defensive improvement since their 8-2 hammering by Manchester United in August.

Following the Gunners 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Wednesday, the north London side have now recorded eight victories in their last 10 league games, conceding just nine goals – a statistic which has buoyed the Frenchman.

He told the club’s official website: “We are stable defensively. Our defensive record since the 8-2 defeat at Manchester United has improved tremendously and you could see that again today.”

“In the first half we were dominating well but even in the second half when we were under pressure we still kept our shape.”

“We got away with one or two difficult situations but there is an improvement there.”

Wenger also praised the performance of Alex McLeish’s side, and feels if they continue to perform like they did in the clash at Villa Park they will quickly move up the Premier League table.

“I have to give credit to Aston Villa, they were not a lower table team with that performance, that is for sure,” he said.

“They have not only shown commitment and spirit but quality. This team can play with a high tempo and if they play like that then they will come up quickly in the table.”