Standard Liege 2-3 Arsenal - Gunners display character to claim Euro victory

Posted on 2009-09-17

Arsenal striker Eduardo scored late on as Arsenal came back from two goals down to beat Standard Liege 3-2 in a thrilling Champions League encounter in Belgium.

The Croatian striker Eduardo bundled in a corner minutes after Nicklas Bendtner pulled the first goal back and then Thomas Vermaelen's scruffy equaliser to complete the comeback.

That was all after Liege took a shock early two-goal lead when Eliaquim Mangala shot in after just two minutes and then Milan Jovanovic scored from the penalty spot after engineering a dramatic dive to fool the referee.

The Gunners left it late, though, and much of the performance was lacklustre in the front third of the pitch, despite Arsenal totally dominating possession and territory.

The Belgian side sat very deep after jumping out to a two-goal lead, and seemed satisfied to hold Arsenal for large periods of the match with a determined, disciplined defensive display that had looked like frustrating their Premier League opponents until the dramatic final quarter hour.

Manager Arsene Wenger said after the game that he was encouraged by the fightback of his side.
(listen to Arsene Wenger at BBC Sport - 82 secs)

This is the fifth season out of six that the Gunners have opened their Champions League group stages account with a win, and few will argue that Arsenal are not capable of at least matching last season's run to the semi-finals.

 

Sourced From : Gooners Guide to Champions League Football