Premiership: Kinsella - we thought pressure would count against us

Charlton captain Mark Kinsella admitted the players thought victory at Arsenal was unlikely after they came under intense pressure in the opening 25 minutes.

The midfielder claimed that the Addicks, 4-2 winners, were fortunate not to be out of the game, never mind leading, at half-time after an early Gunners bombardment.

‘‘In the first half they could have walked in four or five,’’ man-of-the-match Kinsella said.

‘‘At half-time the manager (Alan Curbishley) said we were lucky and needed a good start and we started brightly in second half and that gave us confidence.

‘‘We haven’t been playing too well so it is nice to go away with three points.’’

Thierry Henry had opened the scoring but then a rare strike from Steve Brown and an own goal from Arsenal goalkeeper Richard Wright put Charlton ahead.

Further goals from Claus Jensen and Jason Euell put the visitors clear before Henry pulled one back from the penalty spot.

Brown, who scored at a crucial stage 10 minutes before the interval, added: ‘‘To come in at half-time 2-1 up was fantastic.

‘‘I don’t score too many and that’s 10 in 12 years now.

‘‘However, as soon as they got the penalty you could tell there was 10% extra effort.’’