Arsene Wenger hails Arsenal’s `greatest escape` post CL knockout qualification

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger toasted one of the greatest European nights of his long tenure after Olivier Giroud scored a hat-trick to complete a Champions League great escape in Greece last night. “In the last few weeks, we’ve lost so many players – (Alexis)Sanchez, (Santi) Cazorla among others”, said the Frenchman.

That said, even Wenger seemed to have some doubts earlier this season, dropping Giroud from the side to give Theo Walcott a chance to operate in a more central position. We needed a flawless performance, to score without conceding, and it wasn’t easy because Olympiakos are a good side.

“The kind of performance we produced in a very heated atmosphere was flawless – on the mental front and the tactical side as well”.

We have got the character, the strength in depth to make upsets.

“I’m proud of the consistency because it demands a lot of effort every day and that’s what it’s about, we have escaped and maybe it’s a lucky year for us in the Champions League”. We knew we had to push for the third goal because it’s very risky at 2-0, and we had the ideal game.

Giroud admitted his man of the match display was probably the best performance he has ever delivered in an Arsenal shirt.

The France forward will now undoubtedly be full of confidence at the weekend when he leads the line for the Gunners yet again, this time looking to fire them to the top of the Premier League.

His hat-trick was complete when referee Nicola Rizzoli pointed to the penalty spot as Nacho Monreal’s shot was blocked by the arm of the diving Omar Elabdellaoui.

“He deserves the credit and I think he gets it. I have not seen it anywhere or from anyone that he is not a top goalscorer”. “We made it so hard for ourselves, no-one really gave us any chance of getting through but the attitude in that dressing room was fantastic”.

The draw for the round of 16 takes place on Monday and Arsenal will face either Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Wolfsburg or Zenit St Petersburg. “We can’t be happy with how we played and we can’t blame anyone”.

Aaron Ramsey laid on Giroud’s opening goal, sending a cross to the near-post having been picked out by a tremendous pass from Mesut Ozil.

Arsenal opened up the second half with a second goal from Olivier Giroud in the 49th minute.

“The first goal was important because going 1-0 ahead, they knew that one goal would not take us through and were holding back as one goal can kill the game for them”.