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Szczesny hails 'great defensive performance' by Arsenal

Alex Song partnered Per Mertesacker at the heart of Arsenal's defence against Olympiacos © Getty Images

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Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny celebrated a "great defensive performance" after the Gunners managed to cling on for a 2-1 win over Olympiacos in Wednesday's Champions League clash at Emirates Stadium.

Szczesny had to be on his guard in the second half as Arsenal, without manager Arsene Wenger owing to suspension, held on to the first-half lead given to them by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andre Santos.

Following David Fuster's reply for the visitors, Arsenal were fortunate to see the ball rebound off their bar after an excellent second-half effort by Vasilis Torosidis, and there was an air of anxiety around the ground every time the home side had to defend at set-pieces.

However, playing behind a patched up defence that featured Alex Song at centre back, Szczesny was proud of his team-mates for securing the victory.

"It was a very tough game, we knew it would be,'' the goalkeeper said. "You have to give credit to our defence for keeping the score at 2-1. They put a lot of pressure on us and we produced a great defensive performance in the second half.''

Oxlade-Chamberlain marked his European debut with a goal and then promised there was more to come. The 18-year-old scored the opener at the Emirates, adding further justification to the hefty fee that took him from Southampton to north London.

"It was a really good experience,'' Oxlade-Chamberlain told Sky Sports. "It's a big step up, but I want to play at the top level and I have plenty more time to play in the Champions League. It's my first time in the Champions League and I'm glad we've achieved three points.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.