Afellay: Schalke outplayed Arsenal

Nov 7, 2012 12:10:00 PM

The Netherlands international believes the Konigsblauen could have defeated the Gunners, while his compatriot Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was pleased not to lose the game

EXCLUSIVE
By Guus Hetterscheid

Ibrahim Afellay feels that Schalke deserved better than a 2-2 draw in Tuesday's Champions League match against Arsenal.

The Bundesliga side fell 2-0 behind following goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud, before Klaas-Jan Huntelaar helped them back in the game, with Jefferson Farfan eventually restoring parity after the break.

"We were the better team of the two. Arsenal only threatened on the counterattack. We are not happy with the draw. We could have got more from this game," Afellay told Goal.com.

"We practically gifted Arsenal two goals. The first one in particular was very unfortunate. The 2-1 was important for Klaas-Jan and for us.

"The positive thing from this game is that we remain first in our group. We still want to be playing in the Champions League after the winter break."

Huntelaar, meanwhile, was relieved that Schalke did not end up losing the game as Arsenal had chances to grab the full three points, too.

"We started pretty well and got some good chances, but we then threw it all away. The 2-1 came at an important moment and boosted our confidence.

"In the end, it was a relief that we didn't lose the game 3-2. The referee could have awarded a penalty in Walcott's favour, although we could have got a spot-kick as well after [Per] Mertesacker handled the ball."

Huntelaar missed a big chance to make it 2-2 shortly after the break, but was denied by Vito Mannone.

"I wasn't sure whether to place the ball or to chip the goalkeeper. He remained cool and gambled for the right corner."

Huntelaar has netted four goals in as many Champions League encounters this term.

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