Arsene Wenger

Published: 28 May, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENE Wenger has spoken of his fears surrounding Aston Villa “dangerman” Christian Benteke ahead of this Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley. 

Wenger believes that Villa have become a better side since the Belgium forward came back into their team, and admitted that his boys will have to be at their best to stop the striker. 

“He’s a player who has a massive potential,” said the Arsenal manager. 

“I think some of the bad fortune Aston Villa had this season was linked with the fact that Benteke was not there. 

“When he came back into the team, he gave a lift to everybody. He has a fantastic leap, he’s an intelligent player as well and he can score goals with his feet. He’s fantastic in the air and can score headers against any team in the league.” 

Wenger also praised Villa manager Tim Sherwood ahead of Saturday’s final, crediting the former Spurs man with the re-emergence of the Midlands club. “He has done extremely well,” added Wenger. “He has lifted their confidence and got them to go forward a lot. They are positive so overall I believe he has done a very good job. 

“If you analyse their individual quality, they are a very strong team. They had a great semi-final and are, of course, a strong opponent.” 

Meanwhile Wenger said he “is close” to deciding his starting XI against Aston Villa, but insists that the whole squad will be crucial on the day. He said: “I don’t know exactly who will start yet. What is important, however, is that you bring the trophy back. 

“I think it is important to focus as a whole squad on winning the trophy. Most of the time the heroes are the people who come on in an FA Cup final – they are the ones who make the difference.”