Ljungberg: we will find magic touch in Europe

FREDRIK LJUNGBERG believes it is only a matter of time before Arsenal start finding the formula to produce strong performances in Europe.

The Swede put the Premiership champions ahead after just six minutes against Rosenborg on Wednesday night, only for Arsene Wenger’s side to then let the Norwegians back into the Champions League encounter, which ended in a 1-1 draw at the Lerkendal Stadium in Trondheim.

Arsenal, nevertheless, sit top of Group E with four points from two matches. It could, though, have been a maximum haul for the Gunners had a combination of indifferent finishing and, according to Wenger, “cautious” approach play not allowed Rosenborg the opportunity to level early in the second-half through Roar Strand.

However, Ljungberg believes the squad can learn from the experience.

“It is something to think about, not to stop playing when we get a lead,” said the Arsenal winger. “We scored a goal, then maybe we let them back into the game. We stopped playing attacking football after we scored. Maybe we should have done that more. When we get a lead we don’t want to mess it up by going forward too much. Maybe that is why we kept the ball and dropped back a little bit rather than going forward.”

Ljungberg added: “We want to enjoy our football. We play attacking football and we want to play that way in Europe. But we need to use our brains and not concede a goal to get a result. That is why we have the experience to produce in Europe. When you go 2-0 down, it is difficult to play. Maybe we are looking for something in between.”

Thierry Henry believes there are signs Arsenal have already come a long way in their approach to Champions League football.

“I remember the days when we used to go away in Europe and we would not create any chances at all,” the French international recalled.

“I think you can say it was a matter of us maybe not finding the right pass against Rosenborg.”

Henry was presented with a chance to make it 2-0 just before Rosenborg equalised, but saw his near-post effort superbly blocked by Vidar Riseth.

“We had so many chances,” reflected Henry, “and could have sealed it before and even after (they scored). But you have to give them credit in the way they came back in the second-half. They put the effort in and tried to have a go at us. A point away from home is never a bad result in the Champions League.”

However Arsenal’s display in Norway is an improvement on last season, when they picked up just one point from the opening three group games.

Ljungberg believes the Gunners are better equipped this time around.

He said: “It feels good compared to last year. The Champions League is important for us and everyone at the club. Four points is not too bad. We want to do better than last year.”