Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hails Yossi Benayoun after late winner against Aston Villa

The Israeli's header secured all three points for the Gunners on Wednesday, with the Frenchman pleased with his side's response to Sunday's defeat to Manchester City

22 Dec 2011 15:20:00

By Simon Sinclair

More On :  Arsenal FC, Arsène Wenger, Yossi Benayoun
EPL - Aston Villa v Arsenal, Yossi Benayoun
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hailed the quality and attitude of Yossi Benayoun following the midfielder’s late winner in the Gunners 2-1 victory against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

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The Israeli international has failed to secure a starting spot in the Arsenal first team this season since his loan move from Chelsea, but Wenger has praised the contribution he has made so far, particularly in the win at Villa Park.  

“He is well integrated in the group, is a fantastic professional and has a great spirit,” Wenger told the club’s official website.  

“He is a very intelligent boy and tonight he did fantastically well when he came on. The changes who came on did very well and stabilised our game I think - Yossi came on and won us three fantastic points.”

The Frenchman was also delighted with the commitment shown from his team over the past week following Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, and was pleased the Gunners were able to bounce back against a difficult Aston Villa side.

He added: “You go to City and then to Villa and I have to give fantastic credit to my players, they have given absolutely everything in the last three days with two difficult away games.

“For us to respond well was vital. I was a bit nervous I must say because for us you have experience and history with us coming to Aston Villa - it is always these kinds of games where it is marginal to win or to lose.

“I was a bit nervous because I knew how important it was to win and I knew that it would be a difficult game.”

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