'Benteke is a bully who will give Arsenal sleepless nights'

Friday 29 May 2015
Benteke has scored 12 in his last 12 games
Aston Villa midfielder Ashley Westwood believes Arsenal will be having “sleepless nights” ahead of facing “bullying” striker Christian Benteke in The FA Cup Final.

The Belgium striker comes into Saturday’s Wembley showpiece in red-hot form, firing 12 goals in his last 12 games, and team-mate Westwood believes the Gunners will not be looking forward to facing his side’s recent goalmachine.

Arsenal v Aston Villa

The FA Cup Final
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
5.30pm, Saturday 30 May
Live on BBC One and BT Sport

"Christian is a real handful for anyone. He's back to his best now, bullying defenders," said Westwood at the club’s media day ahead of the weekend’s clash.

"They won't want to play against him - I'm sure they'll be having sleepless nights about him."

Despite the presence of Benteke in their attack, 25-year-old Westwood says The Villans also possess another potential matchwinner within their ranks.

Westwood believes Arsenal will be scared of Christian Benteke

Westwood believes Arsenal will be scared of Christian Benteke

His fellow midfielder Jack Grealish has burst onto the scene since the arrival of manager Tim Sherwood at the beginning of the year, with the 19-year-old producing a man-of-the-match display in the Semi-Final win over Liverpool last month.

"He's a special talent," Westwood. "I'm sure he could be our match winner at the end of the day.

“He believes in his ability and so he should, he's a special talent and he's got the world at his feet. If he can keep playing like that, he can go anywhere."

Jack Grealish has impressed under Tim Sherwood

Jack Grealish has impressed under Tim Sherwood

Although he lavished praise on Benteke and Grealish, Westwood, who made to the move to Villa Park from Crewe Alexandra in 2012, believes his boss Sherwood has a wealth of talent to call upon at the national stadium.

"We know how good we are - if we play like we can do we can match anyone. We've got internationals throughout the team, Fabs [Fabian Delph] and Clevs [Tom Cleverley] are all on form,” he added.


By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer