Wenger proud of passion

Gunners boss delighted with quarter-final display

By James Dall   Last updated: 19th December 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wenger proud of passion

Wenger: Delighted

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Arsene Wenger has hailed the mental strength of his young Arsenal side after victory over Blackburn saw them progress to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.

The Gunners took a two-goal lead against Mark Hughes' men, but a brace from Roque Santa Cruz saw the game head into extra-time.

Arsenal - who were reduced to 10 men when Denilson was dismissed on 90 minutes - eventually ran out winners courtesy of Eduardo da Silva's strike.

And Wenger has praised the grit and determination of young side, pinpointing their mental toughness.

"It was a big test. They (Blackburn) made it very passionate and very committed. We had to use our character," he told Sky Sports 1.

"When it was 10 against 11 we found the resources to score, and that is really promising for such young players.

"We have shown quality, we dug deep when it was difficult. We did not give in and we kept battling."

On Denilson's sending off, Wenger admitted that the Brazilian's challenge on David Dunn merited a red card.

"He didn't touch him, but he should not have done that challenge. It was a red card," he concluded.