Wenger delighted by qualification - 8 Nov 2007
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said he was very happy to pick up a point against Slavia Prague and wrap up a place in the Champions League knockout stage.
Wenger, who celebrated his 100th match as a Champions League manager, said: "To win away in Europe is difficult. "It becomes harder when you have just humiliated the team you are playing 7-0 and the conditions were tough, too. "But it was a good learning process for all of our younger players and we were solid at the back and defended well."
Wenger made eight changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday and the Gunners were second best for long spells in Prague.
But he said he though Slavia had a point to prove after their mauling at the Emirates two weeks ago. Wenger added: "They fought hard to stop us in any way possible and they created some chances and defended well too. "We had problems creating space against them and were not very dangerous, we're disappointed not to score but we didn't create enough to do it. "But the result is quite positive because we qualified." Wenger also praised goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, the Spaniard responding to criticism after their draw with United to make two fine stops to deny Slavia striker Zdenek Senkerik.
"Manuel made a key save towards the end when you are in the goalkeeping position you know how quickly you have to take criticism." Almunia added: "I'm very happy with my performance and with the performance of the team. "It was very hard because it was difficult for us with the weather, but for me, I must keep the level up every game." |