In the absence of Arsene Wenger for suspension, assistant coach Steve Bould reacts after 3-1 vs Olympiakos.
on the performance…
We won the game and that’s great for us. They made it tough and I thought they were very good, their organisation was excellent. We improved in the second half with the ball, but we looked nervy at times I have to say. But overall we are delighted.
on a hangover from the Chelsea game…
I think so. It probably knocked our confidence getting beaten. Even though we didn’t play so great and we thought we should have got something from the game. Maybe ether was a little bit of a carry over, but we’re hoping now that has gone it is done and dusted. We did great tonight, without being fantastic. We have got back on track, and we’re hoping we will get some confidence for the weekend [against West Ham] – and that will be a tough game.
on the win being paramount…
It always is, isn’t it? This is a results industry and we got the result. We ground it out. I don’t think they had too many chances, we limited them to a few and we could have perhaps scored a few more so without being fantastic we’ve had a great result.
on starting to concede goals…
“Well, it was always going to be that way. There was only one way to go. Three clean sheets and we’ve done ok. We haven’t had an awful lot of goals against. The goals that have been against in the main have been set pieces, which we’re all disappointed about and think we can improve. Things are looking ok.
on Ramsey’s goal…
It was a great finish. He is a good player.
on Gervinho‘s performance…
He is scoring goals, so his confidence is sky high. I think his link play is gradually improving – he set Santi [Cazorla] up quite a few times over the last few games. He is learning his trade [at centre forward]. I don’t think he has played there an awful lot and he is a danger with his pace and movement at times. He could be a top player.
on comparisons to Henry…
Well, if he gets anywhere Thierry Henry we’ll take that all day long. He is learning his trade there and is doing ok. I’m delighted.
on Podolski’s goal…
I have said before he is a fantastic finisher. He really is deadly and long may that continue.
on Mertesacker’s absence…
He was ill this morning. He has a bit of a virus I believe so that’s where he is at. We’re hoping he is fit for the weekend.
on being top of the group…
There is an awful long way to go. The [Schalke] game is two weeks or so away and we have a couple of tough games in between. We’ll address that when it comes but it’ll be tough.
on Roy Hodgson watching Arsenal players…
They’re all young lads who are improving. They’re all getting better. I think Carl [Jenkinson] is improving with every game and he has done a fantastic job for us so far, so I’d be delighted if he gets picked for England. That’d be great for him.
