O'Neill continues Wenger war

Wenger: Confronted by O'Neill

Arsene is an excellent manager but, as I said the other evening, he has made a few ridiculous statements during his time

Martin O'Neill on Arsene Wenger
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Martin O'Neill has branded Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger as a merchant of "ridiculous statements" following the Frenchman's claim that Aston Villa are a long-ball team.

O'Neill was furious with Wenger's post-match reaction to Wednesday's goalless draw at Villa Park which has since left an ill-feeling in the West Midlands.

The Villa manager has described his Gunners counterpart's view as "an appalling insult", while the playing staff have also been incensed, with defender James Collins labelling Wenger's words as "stupid".

And O'Neill has now revealed he was so narked that he confronted the Arsenal tactician about his thoughts after the midweek game between the two clubs.

"Arsene is an excellent manager but, as I said the other evening, he has made a few ridiculous statements during his time," the Northern Irishman said.

"I also told Mr Wenger at the same time (after the press conference) and told him I felt the comments he had made were out of order.

"Wasn't it not long ago that he described Manchester United as anti-football?

"Like I said, he is a terrific manager but comments like that, although they do raise a laugh, also do become a little tiresome.

"I actually would say we are a fine footballing side with people like Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor, James Milner etc."

Craven Cottage test

O'Neill is backing Villa to put their recent goal drought in the Premier League behind them as they look to put their top-four challenge back on track at Fulham on Saturday.

The former Celtic manager knows his side will face a stern test at Craven Cottage where Roy Hodgson's side boast a formidable record.

He said: "Their home record is quite phenomenal. They will be disappointed with their away form, but at home they are a different team altogether playing with loads of confidence and it won't be easy for us."

O'Neill will again be without left-back Stephen Warnock and is awaiting the results of a visit to the specialist to determine how long he will be out of action.

It has led to the recalling Nicky Shorey from a loan spell at Nottingham Forest as cover, but the left-back area has been given a boost with the return to full fitness of Wilfred Bouma.

"There is not anything definite I can tell you," said O'Neill of Warnock's injury.

"He did see a specialist a couple of nights ago and we are waiting for some more results of other tests coming through.

"I would say it will be Monday or Tuesday before we know the extent of things."