Walcott urges Arsenal to avoid a repeat of Monaco disappointment

Arsene Wenger voiced hope that it might be Arsenal’s “lucky year” in the Champions League, after watching his team pull off the “greatest escape” to pip Olympiakos to a place in the last 16.

However, the England worldwide says Arsenal were guilty of complacency against Monaco at the same stage last term when they surprisingly exited the competition on the away goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate draw.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has ruled out a move for Karim Benzema, telling Sky Sports that his side don’t have a need for him with Olivier Giroud in such good form.

“He [Giroud] has shown character”.

“I have always defended Olivier on the character side because he has something special on that front and showed it again today”.

Given his chance by Arsenal’s lengthy injury list including fellow forwards Daniel Welbeck and Alexis Sánchez, Campbell started the Gunners’ last three group games as they recovered from a poor start to qualify with Wednesday’s victory.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for us because we have lost players”. The last one was a penalty so we are really pleased to win tonight and go through to the next stage.

When asked whether it ranked as one of his best European wins, he replied: “Yes, certainly because we needed a ideal performance to score without conceding”.

“Olivier Giroud is a great striker, so behind that we can not buy Karim Benzema”, Wenger said.

“I’m proud of consistency because it demands a lot of effort every day and I think that’s what it’s about”. West Ham pair Winston Reid and Victor Moses have been ruled out until the new year with hamstring injuries. We had the chance to prove to everyone that we have the qualities of being a top team in the Champions League.

“I told you before that it would be the greatest escape”.

“I think it can lift our season”, he said. So come January, we will see how it goes. Why not? The amount of confidence in that dressing room is spreading out to all the players.

“It was a wonderful team performance, both offensively and defensively, and I haven’t said that many times about Arsenal this season”, he said. This in turn leaves three La Liga giants, a Bundesliga powerhouse and the Russia Premier League champions as possible opponents in the next round of the Champions League.