on the match overall...
It was a good test to show that we had the mental qualities to come back. On the other hand it was important that we didn't panic [at half time]. To concede a goal just on half time for 2-0 was a difficult blow, but we responded very well against Manchester United here [last week] and we did it again today. Overall it was a classic FA Cup tie, 2-0 down and we came back. We had to fight to score three goals and we did it well. I felt it was harsh to be 2-0 down at half time, but Aston Villa are a good counter-attacking team and unfortunately we couldn't score in the first half. In the second half it was all us.
on Arsenal's spirit in the second half…
I was very impressed because I felt that when you come out of a bad period like we are, and you are 2-0 down, you can feel sorry for yourself or you can show you have the mental qualities to play for this club. I was very proud that the team came out and showed they are not ready to lie down.
On what was said at half time…
We always keep what is said in the dressing room [to ourselves]. The players were all very positive at half time and we showed that in the second half. It was important to put massive pressure on them in their half and not let them come out [with the ball]. We closed them down very hard in their own half.
on what the comeback might mean…
I hope [it means] that we can bounce back in the Premier League as well. I hope it convinces the team we have the required qualities and we can transfer that to the Premier League.
on Jack Wilshere's fitness…
I spoke to Jack today. We have no real news yet. The first news we have had is better than expected. He is not in a boot, but I don't know more. His morale looks quite good and I hope it will only be a short setback.There will be more tests this week.
on the players having something to prove…
Last year was a learning process. We went for four trophies and in February we were still in all four. When we had to play the Carling Cup final we were a bit nervous because we hadn't delivered, but they have learnt from that. Hopefully we can show it this year.
on Abou Diaby's comeback…
He is coming back on Tuesday. He has been in a rehab centre and has worked very hard. We feel that when he comes back he will need three more weeks of training, so the earliest he will play will be the end of February.
on Ryo's future…
I will have a chat with him tomorrow and I have a little plan. Oxlade-Chamberlain plays on the flanks now too, so if I can find an opportunity for him to play somewhere I will decide whether to do that tomorrow. It will have to be in England because he will lose the homegrown [status] if he leaves the country.
on winning two penalties…
I must say that was one of the positives today!
on Lukasz Fabianski…
He lacks a bit of match practice. Overall he did well. On the second goal he parried [Bent's shot] well, and it was unlucky because the ball came back to Bent, who is a great finisher.
on whether the players' belief has waned…
When you don't win, the belief goes and we lost three games in the Premier League. The belief is not stable no matter what your history is. It depends on the recent history of the team.
on whether he will sign anyone…
Certainly not. But you never know!
Source: Arsenal.com on 29 Jan 12
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