Arsenal FC overcame the odds to beat a dominant Bayern Munich side – who had won all of their games so far this season. Olivier Giroud, who came on to replace Theo Walcott, headed in the opener before Hector Bellerin set up Mesut Ozil in the dying seconds of the game to clench a crucial win for Arsene Wenger’s side.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arsene Wenger praised his side’s focus and dynamism against a much superior opponent, who kept over 70% of the possession. As quoted by the club’s official website, Wenger said:
“I think we have beaten a very strong team and kept a good level focus from the first to the last minute and kept a clean sheet as well.”
He has that desire to get on top of his opponent – Wenger on Bellerin
The Frenchman also reserved special praise for young Hector Bellerin, who had a difficult first half against flamboyant winger Douglas Costa, but came out on top at the end of the second half.
“I think Costa is a top-class player. What I like is two top level players, in the end Hector found always the resources in the last 10-15 minutes to get on top of him and that is fantastic to see from a boy of 20 years-old.
“I like the fact that he has that desire to get on top of his opponent until the last minute. That competitive edge he brings to the game.”
His hamstring is quite a tough one – Wenger on Ramsey’s injury .
The only negative for Arsenal FC on the night was the hamstring injury suffered by midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who looks to spend some time on the sidelines.
“He is alright but very down because he told me that his hamstring is quite a tough one. He is out.”
The Frenchman was also asked to shed some light on Olivier Giroud and his role as Arsenal FC’s new Plan B.
“He gives us a different option when it does not work on the ground he gives us options in the air and both Walcott and Giroud I like. I just have to use both of them in the right way.”
Arsenal FC were coming into the match, looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat in the Champions League, following shock losses to Olympiakos and Dinamo Zagreb. The Gunners needed positive results from their two encounters against Bayern Munich to keep their slim hopes of making it past the group stage alive. Arsene Wenger’s men have registered their first points in the groups stage of the elite competition of this season and will be looking to at-least take a point at the Allianz Arena, if they are to make it to the knockouts for the 16th consecutive season.