The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Arsene Wenger believes that Aston Villa’s early struggles this season can at least be partly attributed to the injury problems suffered by Christian Benteke.
The Frenchman is wary of the threat the in-form striker could pose in Saturday’s FA Cup Final at Wembley.
Benteke has scored eight Premier League goals since the start of April and the Gunners boss will look to counter his aerial threat.
“He’s a player who has a massive potential,” Wenger told Arsenal’s official website. “I think some of the bad fortune of Aston Villa this season was linked with the fact that Benteke was not there.
“When he came back into the team, he gave a lift to everybody and of course he has a fantastic leap, he’s an intelligent player as well and he can score goals with his feet. He’s fantastic in the air and can score headers against any team in the league."
Arsenal's route to the FA Cup Final
Villa were facing relegation to the Championship when Tim Sherwood took over and Wenger took time to acknowledge the impact the former Tottenham boss has had on their fortunes this season.
“He has done extremely well,” Wenger said. “He has lifted their confidence and got them to go forward a lot. They are positive so overall I believe he has done a very good job.
“If you analyse their individual quality, they are a strong team. They had a great semi-final and of course they have a quality, Premier League team who have a lot of strengths in our side. They are a strong opponent.”
