Arsenal 1-1 Aston Villa

Mar 2 2008 Jamie Hewitt Reports

RELIEVED Arsene Wenger hailed sub Nicklas Bendtner's last-gap equaliser - after fearing Arsenal's confidence had been left shot.

And he believes the point earned at the death yesterday will have a "big impact" in the race for the Premiership.

Bendtner's stoppage-time leveller keeps Gunners a point ahead of Manchester United and Wenger said: "The point will have a big impact. Psychologically, if we had lost that would have jaded our confidence.

"If we had lost, that would be different - but we are still top.

"Every point is vital. We might not be people's favourites for the title any more but we are still a point in front, we have lost just once all season and just need to bounce back from this bad spell."

An entertaining match was marred by Villa supporters who baited Arsenal throughout the match with taunts about leg break victim Eduardo.

Responding to the sick chants Wenger said: "You expect better from people. Intelligence and stupidity can have no limits."

Villa are pushing for a Euro place under former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill and could have had the points wrapped up long before the final sucker punch.

Gunners keeper Manuel Almunia was busy and made a wonder stop to push a shot by former Hoops striker Shaun Maloney on to the bar. But there was nothing he could do for the opener. Gabriel Agbonlahor raced down the left and cut the ball back into the six-yard box where Philippe Senderos diverted it past his own keeper.

Wenger said: "Villa were difficult opponents. They defended well and were sharp on the break.

"We had to dig deep to find the pace of the game and in the end it was our desire and refusal to lose which got us a point."

Villa boss O'Neill was disappointed his side had blown it so close to victory.

He said: "We deserved to win because we played brilliantly.

"We're a miles better side than when we came here on the first day of last season."

Villa defender Curtis Davies will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured Achilles.