Montpellier 1 Arsenal 2:ARSENE WENGER could exhale at full-time. His confinement in the directors' box, as he served the first of a three-game Champions League touchline ban, was no fun, despite the more expansive view. He was powerless as his Arsenal side were given a thorough examination of their quality and composure in the second half by an exuberant Montpellier.
Yet Arsenal came through to ignite their Group B campaign and maintain their early-season momentum. They played well in the first half and absorbed the early blow of Younes Belhanda’s penalty to go in at the interval with a deserved lead, courtesy of Lukas Podolski and Gervinho.
There were nervous moments in the second half, particularly when Remy Cabella hit the woodwork with a sumptuous chip and Belhanda somehow failed to beat Vito Mannone from close-range in the 80th minute, but experienced Arsenal got the job done.
Wenger has never lost in France to a French team, the caveat being required as they lost the 2006 Champions League final in Paris to Barcelona.
The manager might reflect that, at the beginning of his team’s 15th consecutive appearance in the group phase of Europe’s elite competition, the margins remain dramatically thin.
It was arguably the biggest night in Montpellier’s history and Arsenal had to be wary of a club that were desperate to impress on their Champions League debut.
Wenger took no chances with his selection, naming his strongest team. There was warm applause from the home crowd for ex-Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud, whom Wenger recalled up front.
The tie crackled to life upon the early goal which, from Arsenal’s point of view, was a bad one to concede. Thomas Vermaelen collided with Belhanda and though Belhanda’s fall seemed theatrical, the referee Carlos Velasco Carballo awarded the penalty. Belhanda’s chipped kick was a celebration of insouciant cool.
Arsenal were not rattled and with two goals in as many minutes, the riposte was devastating.
Giroud was involved in the creation of both. He took a pass from the impressive Santi Cazorla and slid the ball through for Lukas Podolski, whose cute movement was matched by his finish.
Arsenal’s second was all about the quick feet and boldness of Gervinho. After one dart that took him away from a crowd of dark blue shirts was halted, Giroud recycled the ball wide to Carl Jenkinson, whose driven low centre was mopped up by Gervinho from close-range.
Arsenal’s front four enjoyed positive moments, particularly Gervinho, while Abou Diaby looked like a world-beater at times but his desire to play in risky areas can lead to problems. He was robbed by Cabella early in the second half and was spared only by the midfielder’s wild finish.
Cabella was excellent. He drew a low save from Mannone in the first half and after Anthony Mounier had snatched at a chance, Cabella’s chip in the 55th minute rebounded off the crossbar.
Although Cazorla forced Geoffrey Jourdren into his only serious save in the 57th minute, Montpellier pressed hard. Their big chance fell to Belhanda who eluded Per Mertesacker only to drill straight at Mannone. Montpellier deserved a draw but this competition has no time for hard-luck stories.
Guardian Service
MONTPELLIER:
Jourdren, Bocaly, Yanga M’Biwa, Hilton, Bedimo, Estrada (Herrera 78), Saihi, Mounier (Ait-Fana 67), Belhanda, Cabella, Camara (Stambouli 78). Subs not used: Pionnier, Marveaux, Congre, Jeunechamp. Booked: Yanga M’Biwa,Belhanda.
ARSENAL:Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Gervinho, Cazorla (Coquelin 90), Podolski (Walcott 90), Giroud (Ramsey 76). Subs not used: Shea, Koscielny, Andre Santos, Oxlade-Chamberlain. Booked: Diaby.
Referee:Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain).
