Arsenal 0-2 Aston VIlla

Nov 16 2008 John Mathieson Reports

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger slammed his side's level of consistency after their first defeat to Villa in a decade put a massive dent in their title hopes.

Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy handed Martin O'Neill's men the opener when he directed Gabriel Agbonlahor's effort into his own net.

And the England star added the second himself 10 minutes from time.

After defeating Manchester United last week Wenger was incensed by his players' display and called on his troops to produce the goods on a more regular basis.

He said: "Top-level performances are about consistency and at the moment we are not consistent enough.

"The performance was not good. Everyone is down and it is a massive disappointment."

The Birmingham club deservedly took the points after bouncing back from Ashley Young's first-half penalty miss.

Villa had a great chance to take the lead in 20 minutes when they were given the spot kick after Theo Walcott brought down Young.

The 23-year-old took the kick himself but it was saved by Manuel Almunia.

Young almost made up for that missed chance with a drive thatwent just wide of the post.

And he had another effort that went straight at the Arsenal keeper after a mazy run.

Villa were still taking the game to the Gunners and former Arsenal trainee Steve Sidwell volleyed straight at Almunia.

Almunia was made to work again when Agbonlahor pulled the ball back for Gareth Barry.

The Spaniard got down well to the England man's fierce strike to block.

Barry picked up a yellow card for tugging Walcott's shirt as both teams continued to battle.

But with 20 minutes left Villa took the lead when Young's cross was turned into his own net by Clichy.

And Agbonlahor sealed the points after he ended a strong run with a right-foot strike beyond Almunia.

Villa are unbeaten at the Emirates Stadium in three visits since it opened.

And gaffer O'Neill reckons the quality of performance shows how much they have progressed.

He said: "The first year we drew here in our opening game but we could have lost 35-1.

"Our progress since then has been fantastic.

"We beat and drew with Chelsea last season as well.

"That doesn't necessarily mean much because winning one-off games can only get you so far.

"But this will give the players great confidence, particularly in the way we missed the chances but didn't let that affect them."