Wenger pleased with Arsenal’s response after ‘absolutely terrible’ run of results

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed his pride for his players' attitude in their 2-1 win over Aston Villa, after suffering FA Cup heartbreak and a huge Champions League blow in the same week.

The Gunners were dumped out of the FA Cup at the hands of Championship side Blackburn last weekend, while they were also put to the sword in a 3-1 home defeat to Bayern Munich in the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

The manager branded the run of results as ‘two massive disappointments’, but has spoken of his pride in the team’s response to win against Villa after it looked like they may drop crucial points against the relegation-threatened side.

When asked about his thoughts over the past week, the Gunners boss replied: “Honestly, I’ve been well tested.

“To lose against Blackburn in the FA Cup at home was very difficult to take.

"The game against Bayern could have gone either way, but to lose big games one after the other was absolutely terrible.

“We’ve been through a difficult time and it was important for us to show that we’re united, determined and focussed to win against Aston Villa, and we were.

“Even when things were against us when Villa came back to 1-1, we found the resources to win the game and I’m very proud of the attitude of the team.”