Arsenal into Champions League knockout phase – but boss isn’t happy!

Published: 9 December, 2010
by TOM FOOT 

No home comforts for Wenger

Champions League Arsenal 3, Partizan Belgrade 1

ARSENE Wenger said he was “not happy” after watching his side struggle once again in front of their own fans before finally overcoming Partizan Belgrade in a 3-1 win.

The Arsenal boss said that – despite being top of the league and qualifying for the knockout phase of the Champions League – his players needed their heads checked. He said they needed to work into the night analysing how to “wipe away” their “subconscious worries” about playing at home.

Arsenal have lost three times at the Emirates this season and Wenger said: “I don’t question our defensive record, because the fact that we have the best away record in the league shows we can do it. I just think that sometimes at home, subconsciously, we forget to focus on our defensive efficiency. We have to be focused defending together.”

The Gunners stumbled into the knockout phase of the Champions League with strikes from Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott and a superb finish from Samir Nasri. 

But Wenger said: “I was not happy with our offensive game tonight, but I will have to analyse that very carefully. We were below our normal pace – the speed, it was not incisive enough, we looked nervous as well. We have played some great games, but tonight was certainly not our best.”

After winning four out of six Champions League group games, Arsenal will face Real Madrid, Barcelona, Schalke or Bayern Munich following next Friday’s draw.

“We have a 50 per cent chance of travelling to Spain and 50 per cent Germany,” Wenger added. “For you, the journalist, it’s Spain – for us, not necessarily. Let’s be realistic, Barcelona are the super favourites. But now it is a real cup competition. Cup mode means for 180 minutes you have to be at your best.”