Wenger expects Real backlash
Arsene Wenger knows there is still plenty of hard work ahead after Arsenal gave themselves every chance of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a superb victory over Real Madrid in the Bernabeu.
A stunning individual effort from captain Thierry Henry at the start of the second half proved enough to settle an entertaining encounter – although the Gunners could have had more goals against the distinctly below-par Spaniards.
Wenger, however, fully understands the tie is not finished yet.
“You have to expect Madrid will be giving everything at Highbury,” the Arsenal manager said.
“I expect them to be at their best, but we have a fantastic opportunity at Highbury to qualify and I am convinced my players will give everything.
“We will play to win – that is the only approach we can have because to sit in against them would be a mistake.
“But they have to come out now and score goals, so it will be a very interesting game.”
Wenger felt his young team had come of age last night.
“We have shown character recently and I think there is something coming out - and on this night, we prouced it,” the Arsenal boss declared.
“I am happy in every department, the only regret is there was maybe room for one or two more goals – we had the chances, which we did not take and that keeps the game open in the second leg.”
Wenger hailed the performance of match-winner Henry and his team-mates in what was a fantastic group effort.
“Overall we needed the experienced players to do well throughout the team - we needed big nights from them, and the young players have done extremely well also,” said Wenger.
“I feel there is nobody who did not have an outstanding game.”
Real’s best chance fell to England captain David Beckham midway through the first half, with Jens Lehmann making a terrific save with his legs.
Madrid coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro remained defiant, despite his side’s disappointing display.
“Arsenal were well organised, especially in defence,” he observed.
“We did not play our normal game – and we will see how things go now in London.
“My players tried to do well, but it was not their best performance.
“We had some chances, but were not as precise as we should have been.”
Caro declared: “I have full confidence in the team, and in London, it will be different.”
The Real coach revealed defender Jonathan Woodgate – hoping for an England recall – looked to have injured his hamstring, which forced the centre-half to be replaced after just nine minutes.
Caro said: “It is a muscle problem, around the back of the thigh.”
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