Wenger hails Arsenal spirit

Published on Wednesday 8 April 2009 09:59

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger hailed his team's fightback which secured a 1-1 draw against Villarreal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at El Madrigal.

Emmanuel Adebayor scored a wonderful equaliser in the second half but the performance was overshadowed by the loss of centre-half William Gallas, most likely for the rest of the season, with a knee injury while goalkeeper Manuel Almunia also had to be replaced after aggravating an old ankle problem.

Adebayor made it five goals in this European campaign with a stunning scissor-kick after 66 minutes to cancel out an equally impressive opener from home captain Marcos Senna.

Wenger's side rallied in the second half to secure what could prove to be a decisive result to defend at Emirates Stadium next Wednesday.

"It was a great goal, but it was a great game as well," said Wenger.

"Villarreal started stronger than us and the early goal made it very difficult.

"In the second half, it was a great response and we took over. It puts us in a great position."