Source: London_Paper
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hails Eduardo after Standard comeback
ARSENE WENGER hailed the impact of Eduardo after the Croatia striker scored Arsenal’s winning goal in a dramatic comeback against Standard Liege last night.
The Gunners found themselves 2-0 down after just five minutes in Belgium but bounced back with goals from Nicklas Bendtner, Thomas Vermaelen and Eduardo to secure a memorable win and three points in their Champions League Group H opener.
Eduardo, who was allowed to play after his two-match ban for diving against Celtic was overturned proved to be the catalyst for Arsenal’s win. And Gunners boss Wenger admitted he was not surprised to see the Brazilian-born international score the game’s winner.
"It is always inevitable with Eduardo. He was caught out on the first goal, but he is a guy who can always turn up on crosses - because he has that anticipation."
The result will boost morale at the Emirates following two successive defeats in the Barclays Premier League to Manchester United and then City last weekend.
"When you are at a big club, you cannot afford to have too many defeats on the trot," said Wenger.
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"It was important to respond, after being 2-0 down. This will strengthen belief within the camp. We were caught cold by a team who were really ready and started out of the blocks at full power.
"To win away from home in the Champions League and score three goals, you know it will be tough. You are in a position where you have to attack with full power, without restriction, and know that the next goal will kill you.
"We could not afford to concede a third goal but had to try to come back to 2-1 at least before half-time - which is what we did.
"Standard gave absolutely everything. They played like a cup final with full commitment - and they deserve a lot of credit."
Arsenal’s equalising goal appeared to strike the hand of midfielder Alex Song, before Vermaelen bundled the ball into the back of the net.
"As for our equaliser, it was impossible to see from the bench," said Wenger.
But Standard coach Laszlo Boloni felt the Gunners were more than fortunate in their equaliser.
"Arsenal had good help from the referee at their second goal - two players were offside, and there was also a handball," he said.
"This was the moment when they got more motivation and we lost ours, but the biggest problem was we have to play better."
