Arsenal boss Wenger delighted with Champions League qualification

Arsenal boss Wenger delighted with Champions League qualification

22-Nov-2012 4:15:00 AM

Having seen his Gunners side beat Montpellier 2-0 to secure their progress to the knockout stage, the Frenchman has expressed his pleasure in his side and Jack Wilshere's strike

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed his side after securing their qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League with one group game remaining.

The Gunners defeated Montpellier 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Jack Wilshere and Lukas Podolski and their manager has praised the team's resolve after a frustrating opening period.

"We needed two good results, and we got the two tonight, so of course we are happy," Wenger told reporters.

"It was a question of being patient and waiting for our chances, which we did.

"We didn't find our way in the first half. In the end it went well for us."

The Frenchman expressed his delight at Jack Wilshere’s continuing return to full fitness since his long injury lay-off and his impact on the side’s play.

Wenger added: "I am pleased for Wilshere because it is great to see him getting stronger and stronger.

"Against Tottenham he lacked petrol after 60 minutes. Tonight I did not feel that. I believe he is not to be obsessed by [scoring goals]. He has to be a complete midfielder."

Wenger also praised the impact of striker Olivier Giroud, who has seemingly settled into life at the Emirates after a difficult start having moved from Montpellier in the summer, and set up both goals against his former side.

He added: "You know he [Giroud] will fight for the team. His performance is many times very decisive.

"Giroud is good when he plays on the offside line. Sometimes he wants to come deep, but he is best as a target man."