Post Match Reaction: Aston Villa (A)

In a game where the 20,000th Premier League goal was scored, Yossi Benayoun's vital late header snatched an almost champion-like three points.

Positives:
Aston Villa played out of their skins and on what was a tough night at Villa Park, walking away with the three points was key. It was the kind of result we would have found hard to graft out in years gone by and Wenger was left delighted with sub Benayoun's late impact, grabbing the win just three minutes from time.

Negatives:
At times, it was hard to know which way the game would swing and after poor work from Mertesacker to allow Marc Albrighton in for the equaliser, we were under the cosh for a while until securing our late winner.

Conclusion:
It's 25 points from 30 now and to grab a victory tonight was really crucial.

"The result showed the importance of the squad but also the quality of the spirit,” Wenger told Arsenal Player. “That makes a difference if you have players who come on that have a real desire to help the team. You always have a chance because teams have to fight so hard against us that in the last 20 minutes fresh players can have a big impact. Benayoun and Rosicky did and that’s why we were very grateful after the game.”