Schalke 2-2 Arsenal
Arsene Wenger Arsenal coach: ‘I believe we have shown a good response’
on the performance…
For us it was important first of all not to lose and if possible to win. We managed the first part, not the second one. I felt that overall we played reasonably well, but dropped physically in the second half. The regret we have is that we conceded the goal just before half time and we missed the [Theo Walcott] chance at the end of the game. I think the two, of course, have a big impact on the result overall. Schalke never gave up and worked hard. I believe we have shown a good response to Saturday’s game and you feel the team is getting better. I think in one month, if we continue to develop, we will be there.
on Walcott’s display…
He did well, very well. He had a positive attitude and was fresh as well. He was the only one you always felt could make a difference and it was no coincidence he had the chance in the final minute.
on a foul for first Schalke goal…
Yes, on Walcott and he gave foul against Walcott. I invite you to see it again. It is a foul from Afellay on Walcott, 100 per cent.
on Mannone-Szczesny selection problem…
We’ll see. I don’t look too much for coming problems. In my job you don’t miss problems. You miss more solutions, that at the moment is not a big problem. Mannone had a good game, he had a good game in Manchester for me as well. It is good, very interesting. His confidence gets better in every game.
on Walcott and Podolski playing as strikers…
Well, a winger is a striker. Not for you? Giroud has Walcott and Podolski with him. We scored two goals. We had more chances and played with three offensive midfielders as well. At some stage, we have to put one or two defenders in the team as well.
on the state of Group B…
It’s open. We are of course in a position where we want to win our home game. If we win, we have a 50 per cent chance of going through because Schalke play Olympiacos here. They are in a position where they have absolutely to win that game as well. It will of course depend on our result first against Montpellier and then we will see what happens here. It could go to last game, we could, with luck, do it in the next game. Anyway, we are in a position where we must win against Montpellier.
