Arsenal buoyant but Montpellier must learn fast

René Girard, Montpellier coach
We should be disappointed with how things went. We lost our concentration for five minutes against a team like Arsenal and we were punished. In the second half I saw my team playing as I like them to, with a lot of desire and motivation and creating chances. However, you need to convert them.

Unfortunately we paid for a lack of conviction in the first half. I also think the lads were not relaxed – they were worrying about how to play and how our opponents could counterattack us. There were five minutes when we conceded two goals and against such a team that is not allowed. This is a high level and we have much to learn.

Steve Bould, Arsenal assistant manager
I am really pleased. It was difficult. I thought we were excellent in the first half – we kept the ball and kept the crowd really quiet. The second half was tough and we looked a little bit tired physically. The crowd got right behind them and it is quite an intimidating place to come and play, so we are glad to get the result.

It is fabulous to get an early away win. We have had a decent start to the season and we have kept the run going so it is important all round, not just for the Champions League. We have some tough games coming up. We have great team spirit and that was evident tonight. Everybody is digging in and things are looking OK.

[Lukas] Podolski has made a real impact. I have to say, I have not seen many finishers as good as him. He's a good trainer, a good lad. He has really added something this year.

Olivier [Giroud] did a really good team job for us tonight. He is another one who works really, really hard for the team. At set pieces he is fabulous. He defends and he works for the team. I think he only had one chance tonight at the near post that was difficult. He is a really hard-working lad and I'm sure the goals will come.