LONDON: Arsene Wenger hailed Arsenal’s heroes as his massive gamble on Andrey Arshavin paid off in amazing style.
The Gunners came from behind to clinch an historic 2-1 win over Champions League favourites Barcelona.
Robin van Persie and sub Arshavin hit late goals after David Villa had opened accounts for the Spanish side in the 26th minute.
“I wanted to really go for it.,” said Wenger.
“I took a gamble and we finished with Wilshere (Jack), Fabregas (Cesc), Nasri (Samir), Bendtner (Nicklas), Arshavin and Van Persie.
“The tie is still open but we will go to the Nou Camp and play our game again because you cannot go there and defend. My gamble could have back-fired and we could lost 2-0 or 3-0 - but it worked.
“I am proud for Arsenal Football Club. Everyone urged us to play differently to our nature so it is a good result.
“This result gives us a chance to go to Barcelona with belief. We know it will be a very difficult game but we will prepare well. We will be highly focused and we go to win.
“It is a special lift for my team. Our players have shown exceptional strength and togetherness.
“We took advantage of one special piece of skill from Van Persie and the second came after some good build-up play. It was a special night.”
After Villa’s goal, Lionel Messi and Co had an off-night in front of goal as the Gunners grew in confidence.
Wenger added: “We believe we now have a chance. Barca are still favourites but we know we can beat them, which we did not know last year.”
“But after tonight we know that we can beat them. And we didn’t know that last year,” said Wenger, referring to last season’s quarter-final, which saw Barcelona crush the Gunners 4-1 in the second leg, 6-3 on aggregate.
“Tonight’s result gives us a chance to go to Barcelona with belief. We know that it will be a very difficult game but we will prepare well and be highly focused and try to play our natural game,” Wenger said.
“It gives a special lift to my team. Our players have shown their strength and togetherness and this result will reinforce that.”
Wenger’s counterpart Pep Guardiola said his side had paid the price for failing to convert more than one of the half-a-dozen openings their famously slick passing play presented.
“In general I’m happy with the performance – the result is the thing I don’t like,” Guardiola said.
“It was a fantastic match for anyone who likes football. When two teams want to play attacking football its always nice. We’re try to turn the tables on them at our place.”
Guardiola predicted another classic could be on the cards in three weeks time as his team try to overturn the first leg deficit.
“They are going to attack and we are going to attack,” Guardiola said.
“So if you have nothing better to do, I invite you to come to Barcelona because it’s going to be a great match.”
No comments:
Post a Comment