Arsene Wenger relieved after Arsenal put Champions League hopes back in their own hands

Arsene Wenger was relieved after Alexis Sanchez's two goals helped Arsenal to victory

ARSENE WENGER is relieved Arsenal Champions League hopes are back in their own hands – and challenged his side grab the chance to make amends for their failings in Europe this season.

 

Two goals from Alexis Sanchez following Mesut Ozil’s opening goal meant Wenger’s side beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 in a game they had to win. 

And with Olympiakos losing at Bayern Munich, Arsenal will reach the knockout stages if they can secure a 2-0 victory in Greece on December 9th, with a 3-2 win also enough to see them through.

The Gunners have a lifeline after losing their opening two group games and suffering a 5-1 thrashing in Munich.

And Wenger said: “We have chance. How big, I don’t know, but we have a chance. I felt we still had a chance but the result on the night against Bayern was bad for us as well because Olympiakos won in the last minute at Zagreb.

 



Mesut Ozil celebrates after scoring for Arsenal



“Then it didn’t depend only on us but now at least we come out of tonight with a chance to make right what we haven’t done up to now.

“What we wanted was to come out of the game with a chance to qualify. We had to do the job and Bayern Munich had to do the job as well.

“Now we just need to win in Greece. If you lead 1-0 they are in a situation where they can lose and we can win it. If you win 1-0 you can win 2-0 as well.”

Last night’s win mean Arsenal cannot finish bottom of Group F and are guaranteed a place in the Europa League even if they fall short in Greece.

 

Joel Campbell put in a good performance for Arsenal

But Wenger said: “The Europa League is not the target - let us give everything to remain in the Champions League.” 

Wenger praised the contribution of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez – but also hailed the impact of Joel Campbell.

He said: “I believe that Ozil had an outstanding first half and on top he scored. He now has the taste to score and never seen him in the box as many times as this season. That is very good and had two three chances tonight.

“Ozil and Alexis Sanchez I would like add tonight Joel Campbell as well offensively, the three had an outstanding performances.”

 

Wenger withdrew Olivier Giroud late on because of an ankle problem and confirmed a scan had revealed Francis Coquelin faces a 12-week lay off with knee ligament damage. 

Right-back Hector Bellerin, meanwhile, believes the victory over Zagreb showed the character in the side – and believes Arsenal can make they mark on the competition if they can through to the last 16. 

He said: “The team knew it was very important and had to turn up and everyone did. We had to play for our lives. It was an important test to be alive in Champions League and we responded very well.

“If get through we will be a threat. We showed quality and creativity up front and defended solidly and we showed the potential we have when we have our players back and add them to this team.”