Champions League

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Sep 18, 2012 at 7.45pm UK

Montpellier Montpellier HSC
1-2
Arsenal

Half-Time Report: Montpellier HSC 1-2 Arsenal

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 18 September 2012

Half-Time Report: Montpellier 1-2 Arsenal

Lukas Podolski and Gervinho respond to Younes Belhanda's early goal to give Arsenal a deserved lead over Montpellier HSC after 45 minutes at Stade de la Mosson.

Arsenal have recovered from an early setback to hold a deserved half-time lead over Champions League newcomers Montpellier HSC at Stade de la Mosson.

The Gunners made a positive start to the match, dominating possession early on and looking threatening in the final third.

However, they fell behind on nine minutes when Younes Belhanda cooly chipped a penalty kick beyond Vito Mannone after being fouled by Thomas Vermaelen on the edge of the area.

Arsene Wenger's men were level seven minutes later, with Lukas Podolski providing a clinical finish from 14 yards following a neat through ball from former Montpellier favourite Olivier Giroud.

The turnaround was complete on 18 minutes. Overlapping full-back Carl Jenkinson crossed low from the right byline and Gervinho tucked away from very close range.

Gervinho, who scored twice during the 6-1 win over Southampton on Saturday, went close to extending his side's lead late in the half, but goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourdren did well to smother at his feet.