Arsene Wenger

Published: 22 November, 2012
by TOM FOOT

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Arsenal 2 Montpellier 0

ARSENE Wenger was shocked last night (Wednesday) to learn that Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo had been callously sacked by Roman Abramovich.

The Arsenal boss said: “It is so important to be loyal. It is very surprising and sad news – he had won the Champions League.”

Wenger was speaking after watching his side progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the 13th year in a row after a 2-0 win over Group B stragglers Montpellier.

He said: “I am very proud about that, yes. It is not the most glamourous thing. But it is the most difficult thing to be consistent at our level.”

When asked whether it had been too long since the Gunners had mounted a proper challenge for European glory, he said: “2006 was just six years ago – but perhaps that is a long time in football.”

The Gunners are second in Group B – one point behind leaders Schalke 04 – but four points clear of Olympiakos with one game to go.

Wenger said he would take a full-strength team to Greece and was determined to top the group. Lukas Podolski scored a sensational volley on 65 minutes after latching on to a return pass from Olivier Giroud. He took it first time with his left foot and the ball powered past the keeper with pace and curl from just inside the box.

Arsenal had started poorly with a series of misplaced passes and heavy touches. But the game came alive after Arsenal’s number 10 Jack Wilshere grabbed the opener after a perfect headed knock-down by Giroud on 47 minutes. It was the young talisman’s first goal since November 2010.

Striker Giroud was a presence in the second half and bagged the assists for both goals.

Wenger said: “We don’t compare him [to Robin van Persie]. You only make your life with your own qualities. He has different qualities and he will use them.”