O’Leary optimistic ahead of Gunners game

ASTON Villa boss David O’Leary is hoping his team can end the year by hitting the high notes against Arsenal to complete a highly successful month in the Premiership.

But he is fully aware of the task confronting his team as the midlands club have not beaten the Gunners in any of their last 13 games at Villa Park, with the Londoners winning on 10 occasions.

But there is a much better spirit in the Villa camp in recent weeks which has created fresh optimism despite their shock Carling Cup defeat at Doncaster.