Wenger happy to see Arsenal win group as PSG fluff lines
Arsene Wenger says he never wrote off the chances of a favour from Ludugorets as he hailed Arsenal’s efforts to top Group A in the Champions League.
The Gunners beat Basel 4-1 in Switzerland to do their part, yet they still needed Paris Saint-Germain to fail to beat Ludugorets at home if they were to top the group and clinch a home second leg in the first knockout stage of the competition.
The Bulgarian side obliged, holding PSG to a 2-2 draw, and Wenger welcomed the surprise.
“I thought Ludugorets were a good side – they made a great result that helps us top the group, which was what we wanted,” he said.
“We did the job in a convincing way, we were mobile and overall had a committed performance.
“It is difficult to know but you feel a bit less guilty if you have a bad draw if first than second – we have done our job and let’s see what happens.
Arsenal had Lucas Perez to thank for their win, with the Spaniard netting a real poacher’s hat-trick to set them on their way to victory, and Wenger was keen to single out his number nine for praise.
“I think Perez took advantage of the fact we created good chances – he is a goalscorer you know, he has shown tonight he has a good smell for the goal.”