• Champions League

We showed we can fight - Wenger

ESPN staff
August 24, 2011
Arsenal battled hard in Italy © Getty Images
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Arsene Wenger has admitted to his relief after Arsenal booked their place in the group stage of the Champions League with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Udinese.

Goals from Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie in Udine cancelled out an opener from Antonio Di Natale, who also missed a penalty following a brilliant save by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Arsenal are now in Thursday's draw while they are guaranteed around £25 million as a reward for reaching the group phase, easing mounting pressure on the club following Saturday's 2-0 Premier League loss against Liverpool.

Wenger told ITV1: "[There is] relief of course, we don't want to go out - and pride as well, because we had our backs to the wall and responded very well in the second half.

"There was only one team in the second half - Wojciech saved the penalty, which was very generous, but we played a great game tonight. It showed that under pressure this team can respond with football, remain calm and composed and try to play like we can. We had a great belief in the way we want to play.

"There are many questions around our club, if we had gone out tonight it would have been much worse. It was important not financially, like many people have said, but more for the fact we want to play at the top level."

Speculation has surrounded Arsenal's ability and intent to compete in the transfer market ahead of next Wednesday's deadline, but Wenger said: "We work very hard, I have said that many times, but we have many players out as well so I think we can be very positive as well.

"There may be signings but I cannot give you any names tonight. I cannot lie and say we sign somebody tomorrow."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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