O'Neill angered by Wenger comments
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Martin O'Neill accused his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger of making "ridiculous statements" after he branded Aston Villa a long-ball team.
Wenger made his comments in the aftermath of the Gunners goalless draw at Villa which caused them to lose ground to Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League title race.
The normally placid O'Neill was clearly incensed when the comments were relaid to him at the post-game press conference last night.
He said: "If that is what he (Wenger) saw tonight, that is as ridiculous a statement as I've heard.
"He has made a few ridiculous statements in his time here and that is probably as good as any.
"That is only an annoyance at the end of it all. Anyone who saw the game wouldn't take that viewpoint.
"But it is an appalling insult."
Wenger said: "It was a very difficult game, because they stopped us from playing when we had the ball and when they had the ball, because they played a very long-ball game and closed us down.
"We didn't always find our passing game and we know when we come here what you get and we were not disappointed.
"They play a very efficient English game with long balls and very physical and they did do that very well and they are a good side on the counter-attack."
In fairness to Wenger, he also lavished praise on certain aspects of Villa's performance and believes they will challenge for a top-four spot.
He said: "I hope they have a a good run now against all the other teams because they are quality, are well organised, have a strong spirit, and are very strong physically.
"The midfield four of Milner, Young, Downing and Petrov don't stop running and all these players can score goals so I think they have a good chance.
"Although Villa were physical, it was not a dirty game. It was a committed game. It was a fair game but not dirty at all. For me, it was physical in a positive way.
"They were committed, go for the balls and it is part of football."
But it is his initial comments which angered O'Neill whose side have now failed to score in their last four league games.
To make matters worse for Wenger, defender Thomas Vermaelen suffered a suspected broken leg and Eduardo is out of Sunday's game with Manchester United with a hamstring injury.
Wenger said: "We don't know about Thomas. We have to have an x-ray. He is on crutches.
"It's a fibula. Is it just a nerve or a bone broken, we have to check that on Thursday.
"Eduardo has a hamstring strain, a small one, but for Sunday he will be out."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments