Share

Wenger: We need to finish the job against CSKA

Cape Town - Arsene Wenger refused to get carried away following Arsenal's 4-1 victory over CSKA Moscow in their Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday.

A brace from Aaron Ramsey and two more from Alexandre Lacazette saw Arsenal earn a healthy three-goal advantage ahead of next week’s second leg in Russia, but Wenger insisted his side could not afford to relax.

The Europa League presents Arsenal's only realistic hope of making next year’s Champions League.

"We will focus on the second game. It's not job done. It's not over. We have to go there with the right focus and try to win the game," said the Frenchman.

"We are in the quarter-final, there is a long way to go, and we need to finish the job. We are not in the semi, so it's too early to talk about winning it. We have suffered a lot recently, so that will help us to be really feet on the ground, humble, trying to do our job well."

Despite the score-line, Wenger heaped praise on CSKA for their attacking performance.

"It was a difficult game because they looked very good going forward, they came out very quickly every time we lost the ball. They took advantage of every mistake we made to come out and go forward.

"I thought the first half was spectacular, played at a high pace, but also it was an uncomfortable one for me because they looked dangerous. I always thought we could score but as well I was worried they could score. They are technically very good.

"I think CSKA Moscow is a good team, very good technically, quick going forward. They gave us many problems in the first half. Very mobile, very intelligent as well with their use of the ball."

The Arsenal boss also congratulated midfielder Ramsey for a fine performance.

"For Aaron Ramsey it’s always the same," Wenger said. "When you can play game after game you see that not only is he involved a lot in the build-up of games but he gets on the end of things.

"What has changed since 2013 - he’s a much better finisher nowadays. He’s calmer. The way he finishes, you see he’s composed. Before he rushed his finishing a little bit."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1816 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1774 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1083 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 459 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 186 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 253 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE