Arsenal survived an uncomfortable second period to begin their Champions League Group B campaign with a 2-1 win over Montpellier HSC tonight.
It was the French outfit who went ahead after nine minutes courtesy of a penalty from Younes Belhanda, but two quick-fire goals handed Arsenal the lead.
The first was dispatched by Lukas Podolski, before Gervinho met a Carl Jenkinson cross to send the Gunners ahead.
Montpellier pushed for an equaliser in the second period, but they simply could not find a finish as their poor early season form continued.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two sides.
Match statistics:
Montpellier:
Shots 16
On target 7
Possession 48%
Corners 6
Fouls 12
Arsenal:
Shots 7
On target 6
Possession 52%
Corners 5
Fouls 12
Was the result fair?
On the balance of play, you would be hard-pushed to argue that Arsenal deserved all three points. The Gunners started the match the stronger and perhaps rightly entered the break ahead. But they simply did not get into the game in the second period and but for some wayward finishing from the home side, they would not have gained the victory. A point apiece would have been just about correct.
Montpellier's performance
5/10. Plenty of pace and trickery down the wings, but an ever-so-soft centre. One man who was outstanding, however, was their skipper Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa. It is easy to see why so many teams court the big defender. Marco Estrada and Remy Cabella were also full of ideas, but unfortunately they didn't have someone who could stick it in the back of the net.
Arsenal's performance
5/10. The Gunners were impressive in the opening period after coming from behind to lead 2-1. However, they were non-existent in the second half. Granted, they did manage to secure all three points but Arsene Wenger will be troubled by their lack of energy when under pressure. But it is three points for the English side as they make their way back to London.
Sports Mole's man of the match
I have already touched on him, but Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa was an absolute giant tonight. The 23-year-old was just such a powerful presence in the French side's defence and will surely earn himself a big move this season. He deserves it.
Biggest gaffe of the match
Belhanda put in a decent shift for Montpellier this evening, but he ultimately cost his side a point with poor finishing. The Moroccan had just Vito Mannone to beat 10 minutes from time, but fired it straight at the goalkeeper from close range.
Referee performance
Carlos Velasco Carballo had a fairly straightforward 90 minutes this evening. He rightly – albeit with help from his assistant – awarded Montpellier a penalty in the first half. The Spaniard also let the match flow without being too picky.
What next?
Montpellier: The French club will look to get their Ligue 1 campaign back on track with a home clash against Saint-Etienne on Friday.
Arsenal: The Gunners travel to Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday as they look to continue their solid run of form.
Matt Law
