Source: Team_Talk
Wenger: Win deserved despite luck
But the Gunners boss insists they deserved their good fortune.
Two minutes from the end of an enthralling first half, Cesc Fabregas' drive from 30 yards took a wicked deflection off William Gallas' back to send the ball spinning past helpless Celtic keeper Artur Boruc.
The Gunners put one foot in the group stages in the 71st minute when Celtic skipper Gary Caldwell put the ball past Boruc in his attempt to cut out a Gael Clichy cross.
Wenger, however, insists his side deserved their win on the night regardless of how it came about.
He said: "It was a fierce battle.
"We dominated the game but Celtic were always fighting and counter-attacking and in the end, despite being in control, we scored two lucky goals.
"But yes, of course, we merited the good fortune.
"I concede that we were lucky with the goals but we had plenty of opportunity in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
"We needed a very strong Arsenal side to win the game.
"The crowd was up for it and the team was up for it and if it had been an average performance from Arsenal we would not have won the game.
"The atmosphere was better than the Premier League and people were fair.
"Celtic were organised and even at 2-0 they never gave up."
Wenger was at pains to stress that his side will not take the second leg for granted.
He said: "We have a good advantage, but it is 180 minutes and we are in front after 90 minutes.
"You want to play well for 180 and that is our purpose.
"We have to make sure we win the game at home, we have to take it serious and it is a massive game."
Wenger claimed his side did well to survive some robust play from the home side who had Danny Fox, Glenn Loovens and Landry N'Guemo booked.
"There were some bad fouls," Wenger said.
"The referee took some time to intervene and we had some harsh treatment. But I am very happy with the commitment of my team despite the physical approach of some Celtic players.
"I could understand that from Celtic's point of view but what made it more interesting is how we respond to that and I believe we did that well."
