Wenger: We deserved our luck

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
18 Aug	7:45 PM	CL	Celtic (A)	2	0	Win

Whilst no one will deny that there was more than an ounce of luck in yesterday's win over Celtic in the first leg of the qualifying tie in the Champions League, manager Arsène Wenger says that his team deserved that luck because of the way they dominated the match.

The Frenchman praised the commitment and passion of both the Celtic players and their fans, appreciating the 'special' atmosphere at the ground during the match. The Gunners also became the first English side to win at Celtic's ground since 1983.

Arsenal matched Celtic's tough-tackling approach at various times during the game, fighting for every loose ball and pressing the Celtic team when they had possession. This approach limited Celtic to sporadic chances at the Arsenal goal, and whilst there were few moments of panic, the defence held strong.

Wenger said: "I think there were some bad fouls. The referee took some time to intervene but afterwards he did it. We got sometimes some harsh treatment today.

"I'm very happy with the commitment of my team despite the physical approach of some Celtic players. I can understand that from Celtic's point of view but what is more interesting for me is how we respond to that. I believe we did that well.

"I think it was a fierce battle. I felt collectively we dominated the game but Celtic were always willing, fighting and counter-attacking. In the end, despite being in control, we scored two lucky goals. It was a big fight tonight and we needed a strong Arsenal side to win the game. The crowd and players were absolutely up for it and I believe with an average performance we would not have won the game today.

"I believe we forced Celtic to make one or two mistakes at the back. I conceded that we were lucky on the goals today but we had plenty of opportunities in the second half where we missed the final ball and final pass. I give credit to my team, even at 1-0 we didn't drop off and we kept playing very high up and put them under pressure. That was a very positive attitude.

"I felt, from my impression, that the atmosphere was outstanding. It's even better than in the Premier League. People were fair and Celtic, for me, were well organised and I couldn't see them ever give up, even at 2-0. It was always difficult for us to get the game going. Sometimes they made the foul they needed to make but overall I was impressed by their attitude.

"I believe we have a fantastic attitude, a great togetherness and we put relentless pressure on Celtic. We never let them establish a flow and we always disturbed their game very well."

The Frenchman was ultimately pleased with the result, as it would be difficult (but not impossible) for Celtic to overturn the result at the Emirates Stadium. The Scottish side would need to score at least 3 goals without return to guarantee progression.

But it's still only half-time in the tie, and anything can happen. Wenger is aware that his side will still have to be focused and continue to match the commitment of their opponents in the return leg.

He added: "We have a good advantage but it's 180 minutes, we're ahead after 90. When you want to go through you want to play well for 180 – that's our purpose. We want to win the home game and of course qualify for the Group Stage. We are in a strong position and we now want to take advantage of that.

"I believe we have to make sure we win the game at home. It would not be serious to take that game in a non-serious way. It is a massive game, what is at stake is massive to us because we want to play with the best. Even with an advantage of two goals we want to finish the job at home."

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