Wenger fears cost of failing to beat Turks

Champions League Play-off, First Leg

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he will let others be the judge of what it means should his side qualify again for the lucrative group stages of the Champions League — but realistically he is all too aware of the cost of failing to beat Besiktas.

The Gunners flew into Istanbul last night with confidence boosted following a dramatic late 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on the first day of the new Barclays Premier League season, which came a week after defending champions Manchester City had been defeated 3-0 in the Community Shield.