Wenger unfazed by next European challenge
Yet clearly, manager Arsene Wenger has no fears at all about the second round.
By finishing top of Group A - the first time they have headed a first round section since their initial Champions League entry in 1998 - the Gunners are sure to face only one other group winner when the draw is made tomorrow.
The rest of their opposition will be made up of two runners up from other groups and rules prohibit the Gunners facing a team from their own country.
Wenger admitted: ‘‘I don’t think there is too much advantage in winning the group as far as the second round is concerned.
‘‘If you are a runner up you face two group winners in the second round section, but just look at the quality of all the last 16.’’
Wenger hailed new goalkeeper Rami Shaaban a hero after last night’s Highbury stalemate - and then confirmed that England veteran David Seaman is definitely out of Saturday’s Premiership derby against Tottenham.
It was the first time Arsenal had failed to fire on target in 32 matches - a run that stretches back to March when they were knocked out of last season’s Champions League by a dismal 1-0 loss to Juventus in Turin.
“Now I have to choose between Rami and Stuart for Saturday,’’ said Wenger. ‘‘But Shaaban looked good and did well against PSV.
“He made an excellent save with his legs early in the second half when we were under some pressure and he was always alert, committed and strong.’’
‘‘It is the biggest game I’ve played in and I thought I might be nervous but I love pressure and that is when I seem to play my best,” said Shaaban.
‘‘I’ll never forget the night against PSV. There was a lot of pressure on me. If I had played a bad game the fans would always remember me that way, but I think I showed why I am here.’’
Meanwhile, Dennis Bergkamp, still stunned that the FA have charged him with violent misconduct over what he insists was a minor incident, is considering a personal plea when the date for the hearing is named.
Arsenal’s in-form Dutch striker fears a three-match ban which could include keeping him out of the clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on December 7 but still claims: ‘‘In my opinion this case should be closed.’’
Television cameras caught Bergkamp placing a foot on the chest of grounded Blackburn Rovers’ player Nils-Eric Johansson during Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at Highbury on October 26.
The pair had clashed by the touchline and referee Graham Barber awarded a free-kick against Bergkamp, but has subsequently admitted he missed the alleged ‘‘stamping’’ on the Swedish defender which seemingly motivated the FA compliance office’s investigation of television evidence highlighted by ITV’s The Premiership coverage.
Wenger has vowed to vigorously defend Bergkamp and the striker said: ‘‘The matter is still with the club but I find it is all a bit strange. For me the referee saw what happened, told me to calm down and it should be over with by now.’’
Wenger’s immediate concern after Saturday’s Premiership derby against Tottenham, though is Brazil midfielder Gilberto who is wanted by his country for a friendly in Peru next week.
Wenger said: ‘‘It is 13 hours flying time to play in probably half a match and a friendly at that, but FIFA rules say he must go if Brazil tell him to do so. I can do nothing but ask their association if we can keep him here instead.’’
Arsenal are already likely to have to wait anxiously to see whether Patrick Vieira, Henry and Sylvain Wiltord emerge unscathed from international duty with France next week.
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