Arsenal punished Aston Villa's 'tiredness', says Thomas Vermaelen

Dec 28 2009 by Lisa Smith, Birmingham Mail

ARSENAL defender Thomas Vermaelen believes tiredness in Martin O’Neill’s side had been a factor in Villa’s 3-0 defeat at the Emirates.

The Belgian defender felt Arsene Wenger’s side were good value for their win as they fought to maintain their hold on a top-four spot.

“I think we deserved to win. It’s a good result for us,” he said.

“Aston Villa became tired in the second half and you can see the result.

“We defended very well today as a team and we are delighted.”

Villa boss O’Neill had chosen to stick with the side who had given him an unbeaten run of eight games in all competitions in recent weeks with Emile Heskey back after a groin strain scare and defender Carlos Cuellar continuing to keep teammate James Collins out at centre-half.

Vermaelen also paid tribute to Gunners team-mate and supersub Cesc Fabregas after the Spanish midfielder’s two-goal contribution made the difference.

He said: “Cesc was great. He had an injury but did everything to make it back for this game. He’s a fantastic player.

“We didn’t create many chances but when he came on he gave us more opportunities to score.”