The Gunners saved themselves from the grasps of elimination with a battling Champions League win over Bayern and Wenger thinks the victory will boost his players’ spirit
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal will draw strength from the manner of their rousing 2-0 Champions League win over Bayern Munich.
Having lost their opening Group F matches against Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiacos, defeat to Pep Guardiola’s runaway Bundesliga leaders would have all but ended Arsenal’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of Europe’s Premier competition.
But Olivier Giroud capitalised on Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s uncharacteristic mistake before Mesut Ozul sealed the points in the dying seconds, with their French boss delighted with his team’s unity.
“Overall we have beaten a very strong team. We kept a clean sheet as well,” Wenger said at the post-match news conference.
“The team focus and dynamic was there. Tonight we showed we needed that.
“It can strengthen our belief and those around us. It is important we have good balance between attacking and defending.”
Wenger hailed Giroud as “a winner” following the striker’s decisive impact three minutes after replacing Walcott, but also reserved praise for Hector Bellerin.
The full-back came through the gruelling assignment of marking the dazzling Douglas Costa to set-up Ozil’s stoppage-time goal and Wenger was impressed with what he saw.
“It was an interesting fight between Costa and Hector,” he added.
“He has that desire to be on top of his opponent.”