Ashley Young believes the performance of Villa's midfield three was absolutely vital to victory at Arsenal.

Young raved over the performances of Gareth Barry, Stiliyan Petrov and Steve Sidwell as the talented trio bossed the central ground at the Emirates.

The winger said: "It was a massive team performance and I thought everyone dug deep - but the midfield three was key for us.

"We won the game there - they were brilliant.

"Stan coming back into the team was vital. He's been brilliant all season. In my opinion, he has been our best player.

"It was great to have him back and I thought we looked good with him in there. He was immense.

"Steve was disappointed with the Middlesbrough mistake but he didn't let that play on his mind. He put in a brilliant performance too.

"And Gareth's display was what we have come to expect. He was full of running and showed his class throughout."