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Wenger praises mental strength

Arsene Wenger hailed Arsenal's mental strength following their win at Aston Villa.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hailed his side's mental strength following their 1-0 win at Aston Villa.

The Gunners were on top in the first half and had a deserved half-time lead thanks to Abou Diaby's fortunate goal.

Villa were the stronger side after the interval and Wenger was delighted with how his troops ground out the result.

"It was a very difficult game," stated the experienced French tactician.

"We needed a strong mental reaction with many players out, but the resilience was fantastic.

"I felt in the first half we could have scored three of four.

"I felt tonight was a great test and not many teams would have won here."

Julio Baptista was forced out of the second half and Wenger feels the Brazilian may be facing a spell on the sidelines.

"I felt he had a bad back," he said on taking him off. "We have checked that and he's really badly injured."