Wenger: 'At least we are in there with new hope'

Last updated : 06 November 2003 By Chris Parry
He said after the game: "I kept belief because the boys gave everything and were so committed. There was a lot of frustration when we did not get the opening and sometimes we tried too much for the perfect ball. That's when the nerves can take over.

"But we are still alive and thanks to Ashley in the end we got the win that we wanted very deeply. The goal might have been unexpected but Ashley is a fighter and knows where to go when he's in the box. We encourage him to do it. He took his goal well. He has great character and was a winger as a youngster. So he knows how to score."

He acknowledged that the Ukrainians made it difficult for us:

"Kiev made it very difficult for us. They were fast and disciplined and got men behind the ball but we did not deserve to lose to them two weeks ago. We played much better than some people said. Still you have to be take it when you lose but it is a relief now to have won. We have to win some more though. And that will be our aim in Milan for the next game. We can calculate for a draw because then anything can happen.

"At least we are in there with new hope. The dressing room was relaxed enough tonight but there was some nervousness too."