Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's last-gasp 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa could have a "big impact" on the race for the Premier League.With just seconds to go at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, it appeared as if the Gunners' recent poor fortune was set to continue after a first-half own goal from Philippe Senderos put the visitors within touching distance of victory.

However, deep into stoppage-time, substitute Nicklas Bendtner smashed home a knock-down by Emmanuel Adebayor to rescue a point for Arsenal, who are now just a point clear of Manchester United at the top of the table.

Wenger, though, admitted the psychological blow would have been severe had his squad - who lost striker Eduardo to a broken leg at Birmingham last week - suffered defeat.

The Arsenal boss said: "The point we gained today will have a big impact on the league.

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

"Everyone goes through a bad spell, but every point gained is of vital importance.

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

"In terms of momentum, Manchester United have it - but my favourites are Arsenal."

Wenger - who takes his men to AC Milan for the second leg of their Champions League clash next week - continued: "Psychologically, if we had lost, that would have jaded our confidence. To get a point will be a big boost."

Villa are a changed outfit under Martin O'Neill, and look set to challenge for a European place.

But for some fine saves from Manuel Almunia, who pushed a shot by Shaun Maloney onto the crossbar, Arsenal could have been well beaten before their late rally.

"They were difficult opponents," Wenger admitted. "They defended very well and were sharp on the break.

"They are very robust individually and they expose your defenders to the physical challenge, in a fair way, and they take advantage.

"They are a handful and we had a hangover from last week, you could see that.

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

Villa boss O'Neill could not help but be disappointed given how close his side had come to victory.

He said: "It's hard to describe, to come here and play so well, and we deserved to win because we played brilliantly.

"We're capable of attacking every team and we didn't come here just to hit them on the break. We're capable of scoring and, unfortunately, conceding as well."

O'Neill added: "It's a mark of our progress, though.

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

Villa, though, have been hit by the news defender Curtis Davies is set to miss the rest of the season with a ruptured Achilles.

O'Neill said: "He will be operated on this evening. That's really disappointing for us.

"Curtis was devastated, because he has done so well for us. Getting picked by (England manager) Fabio Capello gave him a big boost of confidence and it's really unfortunate."

What was an excellent performance by Villa was overshadowed in some part by sickening chants from the visiting section about injured Arsenal striker Eduardo.

The home fans were clearly incensed, and there were reports of scuffles outside the stadium.

O'Neill commented: "If that is true, then I am desperately disappointed by that."

Wenger, meanwhile, was less graceful. The Arsenal boss said: "You expect better from people who come to stadiums.

"I don't know what to say. Intelligence and stupidity can have no

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