Wenger now thinks Arsenal can win their group after beating Anderlecht

Published: 22 October, 2014
By STEVE BARNETT

Champions League: Group D
Anderlecht 1, Arsenal 2

BIRTHDAY boy Arsenal Wenger said he was “confident” that Arsenal could now go on to win their Champions League group after seeing his side steal three points away at Anderlecht last night (Wednesday).

The Belgian champions looked set to ruin Wenger's 65th birthday when Honduras winger Andy Najar headed in Dennis Praet's cross 20 minutes from time. But Kieran Gibbs's composed volley and a close range effort from Lukas Podolski saw the Gunners score twice in the final two minutes to snatch an unlikely, and undeserved victory.

“The group is now in our hands,” said Wenger after the match. “Dortmund will be a tough opponent, but we are at home. Next we have Anderlecht at home, so let's first qualify and then we'll see how far we can go.”

Having taken the lead through Najar's well-placed header in the 71st minute, Anderlecht should have gone on to secure their first Champions League win in 11 attempts. Ex-Portsmouth defender Anthony Vanden Borre scuffed a shot against the post when it seemed easier to score, while Najar and Matias Suarez also squandered chances to put the tie to rest.

The hosts paid the price. Gibbs looked to have salvaged a point when he coolly side-footed Calum Chambers's cross past goalkeeper Silvio Proto. Then in the last minute of injury time the unthinkable happened as Podolski smashed the ball home from five yards following good work from Alexis Sanchez.

“We looked to control the game,” said a relieved Wenger. “But in the second half we opened ourselves up, were less cautious defensively and got caught.

“The crucial point was at 1-0 down they couldn't take advantage of their chances to score the second goal and we kept going. We managed to score two good goals because we had the spirit and refused to lose the game.”

ARSENAL: Martinez, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs, Ramsey, Flamini (Oxlade-Chamberlain, 75), Wilshere (Podolski, 84), Sanchez, Welbeck (Campbell, 75), Cazorla.

Subs not used: Rosicky, Arteta, Bellerin, Huddart.