Arsenal Boss Admits Shock As His Side Qualify For Last 16
November 24, 2011
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger last night admitted that he was shocked by the fact that his side where the first English side to reach the final 16 of the UEFA Champions League after his side beat German side Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
The result saw the club secure their place in the latter stages of the competition for the ninth season running and after a poor start to their Premier League campaign, the North London club will be hoping that they will be able to secure their first Champions League title.
During the post-match interview, Wenger admitted “I am surprised that we are the first English team to qualify”, pointing out that when his side were faced with Udinese during the Champions League qualifier, he did not know for certain that the side were going to be able to qualify for the group stages.
The North London club won their qualification match against Udinese over two legs and came out 3-1 winners overall but their performance was not convincing and questions were raised over the clubs chances of further advancement but their win last night secured their place into the last 16.
The beginning of the season was a testing time for the club and with the loss of former captain Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy, the club were not expected to be able to stage a presence within the European football scene but the spirit inside the Emirates Stadium steered them through.
Wenger told the media that “Manchester United could have qualified [by beating Benfica on Tuesday] and of course everyone expects Manchester City to qualify, but we are in a different group and I am happy to see where we have come from.”
As the first English side through to the competition, the pressure is now off the club in their final group game as they have already reached their target aim but the same can not be said about the remaining English sides in the competition.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City still have it all to play for and Manchester City seem to have the biggest task ahead of them, needing a full three points if they are going to qualify for the latter stages.
Chelsea and Man United simply need a point to qualify for the next stage of the competition but neither of the clubs will be looking to draw with some much at stake.
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