Dean Smith hands Aston Villa players added rest after victory over Arsenal

The 1-0 victory came in Villa’s sixth match in 18 days and they now have a week before they return to action at Brighton.

Smith, critical of his team following Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham, revealed he had offered the prospect of an extra day of training as motivation prior to kick-off against the Gunners.

Ollie Watkins’ 10th Premier League goal of the season and 100th of his career was duly enough to earn Villa a win which moved them up to eighth in the table.

And Smith said: “I have given them (the players) a couple of days off. The cherry on the cake was offered before the game they could have Monday off as well if they won.

“They deserved it. We have had six games in 18 days. It is easy to talk about fatigue but I knew it wasn’t that. The players have gone and proved they can handle that number of games.

“It was a test of character because I put it on the players before the game I wasn’t happy with Wednesday.

“The reason we have been a good team this season has been our work ethic, our team spirit and our togetherness.

“On Wednesday it felt we wanted to be a good team without putting the work in. The players answered my criticism and put in a real solid performance.”

Watkins netted after just 75 seconds before Villa went on to record their 11th clean sheet of the campaign.

The 25-year-old continues to impress following his club record £28million move from Brentford last summer.

Smith said: “I think every week we are speaking very well of his performance and that is what he brings to the team.

“He is selfless in terms of his workrate and the players all appreciate him. He is a good player but a good team-mate as well.

“It does not surprise me he has got into double figures in the Premier League in 21 games. The football Brentford were playing last season made him Premier League-ready. Having worked with him before I knew he was ready.”