Wenger backing young Gunners

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The Gunners head into the Champions League quarter-final first leg on the back of an improved run of form which has seen them climb back up into the top four of the Barclays Premier League and secure an FA Cup semi-final date with Chelsea at Wembley.

"The team has become stronger since the beginning of the season," Wenger said.

Although leading scorer Robin van Persie did not make the trip to Spain because of a groin problem suffered while on international duty, captain Cesc Fabregas and Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor will both continue their comebacks against the Yellow Submarine.

There is now a much more positive outlook for the Gunners, following what had been a difficult opening to the campaign.

Wenger added: "This team has shown a fantastic spirit, because they had to fight against every negative opinion existing in England, and they did that very well.

"I have a lot of respect for my team because of the mental strength they have shown.

"It is a very young team and my hope is that we can keep them together and develop very well."

The Arsenal boss added: "What is important is how much belief we take into the game against Villarreal.

"I am convinced we have enough experience to know that these kind of games are for 180 minutes - and that every single minute is important."