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Arsenal logo
Premier League
Feb 23, 2013 at 3pm UK
 
Aston Villa logo

2-1

Cazorla (6', 85')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Weimann (68')

Arsene Wenger wary of Christian Benteke threat

Arsene Wenger praises Christian Benteke ahead of Arsenal's clash with Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said that his team must keep Christian Benteke quiet when they take on Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.

The Gunners will be looking to put pressure on their North London neighbours Tottenham Hotspur by taking three points at home before Andre Villas-Boas takes his team to Upton Park on Monday.

Wenger expects a tough test from the Villans - particularly from Benteke, who he said has a "fantastic presence" in attack.

"It is always a battle against Villa," Wenger told reporters. "They have recently had some good results including a 3-3 draw at Everton.

"They know that they are fighting to avoid relegation. So it will be a typical Premier League game today and we have to prepare ourselves for a fight.

"Benteke has fantastic presence. He's a battler, physical and is good in the air. We've seen these qualities against us already this season and we'll need to keep him quiet."

Arsenal are fifth in the Premier League, four points behind Spurs.

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Michael Penkman
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Villa boss Paul Lambert watches on against Swansea on January 1, 2013
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3Arsenal1585229151429
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5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
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11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
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20Southampton1512121131-205


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