Thomas Vermaelen suffered a suspected broken leg as a furious war of
words between Arsene Wenger and Martin O'Neill soured an engrossing
night at Villa Park.
The Arsenal centre half will go to hospital
this morning with his manager fearing he has cracked his fibula during a
night when the Gunners' title credentials were given a severe
examination.
But no sooner had Wenger confirmed the probable
prognosis is either a broken leg or damaged nerve than a slanging match
broke out between himself and O'Neill.
Huge blow: Injured Arsenal
striker Eduardo leaves the field
Asked for his comments on a fiercely
contested 90 minutes, Wengersaid: 'It was a very difficult game because
they stopped us playingwhen we had the ball.
'They played a very
long-ball game. So we couldn't find our passinggame. You know when you
come here what you get and we were notdisappointed.
'We got a very
English game, very physical, counter-attacking with their fast forwards.
They want the ball and they are quick.
'That's why it was always us
creating chances and then them trying to get Agbonlahor or Heskey away
with a long ball.'
Villa manager O'Neill did not take kindly to the
perceived slur andhit back with a barb of his own as the heat rose after
the finalwhistle.
He said: 'If that's what he saw tonight, that's
as ridiculous astatement as I've heard. He's made a few ridiculous
statements in histime here and that's probably as good as any.
Fall
guys: Arsenal defender William Gallas tangles with Villa striker
Gabriel Agbonlahor
'It's an annoyance at the end of it all. Anyone
who saw the game wouldn't take that viewpoint.
'If Ashley Young
played some long balls tonight, well he didn'thave the time to play
long balls when he was taking Arsenal's left backto the cleaners, did
he? It's an appalling insult.
'Arsenal caused us problems and we had
a bit of luck when they hitthe post and crossbar but we did not deserve
to lose in this game.'
Tensions between Wenger and O'Neill rose
last season whenaccusations flew that Villa had tried to influence the
referee duringhalf time. That had left a bitter taste in the mouth and
clearly therelationship has become strained further. And like the two
managers,neither defence was prepared to give way, either.
Wenger
was the more disappointed, although there can be little doubt that the
outcome was fair.
Arsenal, who brought their big names back
after the FA Cup defeat atStoke on Sunday, wanted to go into a run of
fixtures against ManchesterUnited, Chelsea and Liverpool with victory at
Villa Park.
But that was easier said than done on a night when his
injury woes worsened.
Despite hitting the woodwork in each half, the
overwhelming pressurewas thrust upon Manuel Almunia's goal and
Vermaelen's injury, alongwith a hamstring strain suffered by Eduardo,
means the Arsenaltreatment table will once again be taking the strain.
Confirming
the news about Vermaelen, Wenger said: 'He will have anX-ray. He is on
crutches at the moment. It's either his fibula or it isa nerve. We
should find out in the morning.'
Sol Campbell slipped effortlessly
into the void left by the Belgian10 minutes before the interval and now
faces the daunting prospect of athird match in a week against the
current champions on his return tothe Emirates this Sunday.
Keep
sake: Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel dashes out to block Andrey Arshavin
He
acquitted himself well during the defeat at the Britannia Stadium and
showed great composure after replacing Vermaelen.
But it will be
an entirely different matter against Wayne Rooney andCo this weekend,
although the Manchester United striker won't be toohappy to see
Campbell's return. He has been quoted as saying the veteran defender was
among his most difficult opponents.
For long spells last night
Campbell and William Gallas had to be attheir best. O'Neill was correct
in his assessment of Young, who swungover a number of teasing centres
that needed prompt action.
Suspected leg break: Sol Campbell
replaces Vermaelen at Villa Park
But Arsenal twice went closest.
Just as the first half drew to aclose, Fabregas reminded everyone of his
talent after what was, by hisstandards, a quiet opening. He picked up
the ball 35 yards from goal,slipped past James Collins and his low shot
bounced into the foot ofthe post. To add to the visitors' frustration,
two Arsenal playerscollided with one another as they chased the loose
ball.
After Stewart Downing headed one delicious Young centre wide,
Arsenal again hit the goal frame.
Andrey Arshavin had been little
more than a peripheral figure untilhe received the ball at pace down the
left flank. He drifted insideCarlos Cuellar, then around Collins and it
was only Friedel'squick-thinking that blocked his shot. The ball fell
to Fabregas, whoshowed fantastic presence of mind to side-foot the ball
to TomasRosicky with Friedel struggling to race back to protect his
goal.Rosicky controlled and then slammed a shot into the underside of
thebar.
From then on, Arsenal were content to allow Villa to make
most of the running, with Young eager to take a starring role.
'I
believe we dropped two points,' added Wenger.
'We had the chances.
On the other hand it keeps our run going. It maintains the positive
vibes.' Try telling that to O'Neill.
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