Wenger rage: Arsene has pop at Celtic after Arsenal strike lucky
Making contact: Cesc Fabregas' free kick hits William Gallas
Arsene Wenger accused Celtic of trying to rough up his players after two slices of luck put Arsenal on the brink of their 12th successive Champions League campaign.
William Gallas scored the first fortunate goal of a 2-0 win just before the break when a shot from Cesc Fabregas hit him on the backside and curled just inside goalkeeper Artur Boruc’s left-hand post.
The second came when Celtic defender Gary Caldwell turned in Gael Clichy’s left-wing cross at the near post.
But Wenger was left fuming by some of the tackling and waved an imaginary card at Swiss referee Massimo Busacca in response to one meaty challenge from Glenn Loovens near the end.
‘There were some bad fouls and the referee took some time to intervene,’ said Wenger.
‘We got some harsh treatment. I am very happy with my players for coping with the physical approach of the Celtic players. I can understand it from their point of view but I am impressed with our strength, our belief and our desire to do well.
‘It was a fierce battle. Overall we dominated the game, but Celtic were always willing and always fighting. We needed a strong Arsenal performance.
‘The crowd was up for it and the team was up for it and if it had been an average performance we would not have won.
‘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. We forced them to make one or two
mistakes and we had plenty of chances in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
‘The atmosphere was better than the Premier League and people were fair. Celtic were organised and even at 2-0 they never gave up.’
The Gunners must protect their lead at the Emirates Stadium next Wednesday to join
Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea in the group stages of the Champions League.
‘We have a good advantage,’ said Wenger. ‘But it is a 180-minute tie and we are only in front after 90. Our purpose is to win the home game and qualify. It would not be serious to take the game in a non-serious way. We want to finish the job.’
Celtic manager Tony Mowbray admitted the nature of Arsenal’s goals was disappointing but praised the visitors for their football.
‘Arsenal were very good on the night, exceptional with the ball but brilliant without the ball,’ said Mowbray. ‘It was a frustrating night. We’ve got to go there next week and score the first goal and if we do that it might make it interesting.’
Caldwell said: ‘They were better than us, they passed the ball better. We’ve seen how far we have to go to get to that level. They’re one of the best teams in the Champions League.’
