Furious Villa boss Martin O’Neill has accused Arsene Wenger of an “appalling insult” after the Arsenal manager’s taunt that his team play “a long ball game.”

The Frenchman’s jibe left O’Neill seething after last night’s goalless draw at Villa Park, which saw the claret and blues miss the chance to leapfrog Liverpool and Manchester City. They stay seventh, four points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand.

O’Neill and Wenger have been known to cross swords in the past and had to be separated following a touchline row during last season’s corresponding fixture on Boxing Day.

But this time the bitter war of words erupted during their post-match press duties, after the incensed Villa boss was told of the Gunners manager’s derogatory comments.

He retorted: “If that is what he saw, that is a ridiculous statement. He has made a few ridiculous statements in his time here in England and that is as good as any.

“That’s only an annoyance really at the end of it all. Anybody who saw the game wouldn’t take that viewpoint. Ashley Young didn’t have the time to play any long balls when he was taking that left-back to the cleaners. He didn’t have time to do that.

“It’s an appalling insult.”

O’Neill, who saw Stewart Downing spurn two golden opportunities, remained upbeat despite his side now being four league games without a goal or a win.

He added: “I thought we played splendidly. Arsenal caused us problems and we had a bit of luck when they hit the post and crossbar but we did not deserve to lose in this game.”

Wenger, who saw Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky both hit the post as the Gunners missed the chance to return to the top, believes Arsenal should have won the game.

He said: “I believe we dropped two points because we had clear chances, but it was a very difficult game. They stopped us from playing when we had the ball and when they had the ball. They played a very long ball game, closed us down and it was very difficult.

“We know when you come here what you get and we were not disappointed. Villa play a very efficient English game with long balls and they are very physical.

“They did it very well and are a good side when counter-attacking.”