Youri Tielemans insisted Aston Villa were good value for the point they took home from North London, after coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Arsenal.
Unai Emery’s men found themselves 2-0 down after 55 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, though Tielemans’ headed effort dragged Villa back into the contest on the hour, before Ollie Watkins’ sublime finish eight minutes later snatched a share of the spoils.
The Belgian midfielder lauded his side’s spirit and perseverance, and believes they deserved to take a point from the game.
He said: “We came back really well into the game. That [first] goal gave us a bit of freedom to go forward and belief to get something here, which is not an easy task.
“First 60 minutes, they were really on top of us, and we tried with a few counter attacks in the first half. Second half, we didn’t get many chances until we scored.
“But I think in general, especially second half, we fought really well to come back into the game, and that’s what we need to remember. We tried to push forward and give it our all.
“From our point of view, it’s always deserved. We take the point, we move forward. It’s a tough place to come.
“It’s true, they had many chances, but I think we defended with our bodies on the line, and we did really well. In the end, 2-2 is a good result for us.”
After a run of five-straight Premier League defeats away from home, four points from trips to Everton and Arsenal this week have begun to turn the tide.
Tielemans admits the Villans can be pleased with their efforts after a four-day period which has seen them travel close to 450 miles, and called for further away consistency to complement their strong home form.
“We’ve had some bad results away from home this season, and we just need to try and keep that consistency away from home, because we’re doing quite well at Villa Park,” the 27-year-old added.
“To be away and get results, especially here at Arsenal, [and] at Everton – not an easy place to go to – gives us a massive boost of confidence for the rest of the season.”
