ARSENAL GRABBED THEIR 1ST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WIN

Football is all about winning. And that's is what Arsenal just did. Arsenal open up their Champions League campaign Group B match with an important away win at the Stade de la Mosson against unlucky Montpellier Herault FC side. 

Earlier Montpellier were awarded a penalty kick. Arsenal's skipper Thomas Vermaelen may have got away with this in the Premier League but certainly not in the Champions League, although the main issue was whether the tackle was made inside or outside the box.

It seemed as if Montpellier got lucky as Belhanda looked as though he could have been outside the area — just — but the midfielder dusted himself down to deliver a classy dinked penalty kick, sending goalkeeper Vito Mannone the wrong way. It was only the second time Arsenal had conceded a goal this season but impressively, they hit back with a stunning double blow.

Prince Poldi on target again

Two goals in the space of 120 seconds, in fact, with Podolski looking every inch the quality international player he is.

Santi Cazorla, who has also done well since his arrival, found Giroud who teed the ball off for Podolski. The German took one touch to get the ball inside the area before firing it past keeper Geoffrey Jourden.



Podolski ran over into the corner to celebrate with the 900 fans who made their way down to southern France and soon afterwards, in the 18th minute, Arsenal moved ahead. Former Montpellier top scorer Oliver Giroud pressured well intercepting a pass that went straight into Jenkinson path on the right. 

Gervinho scored his first UEFA goal

With acre of space the young defender was quick to supply in a cross for Gervinho, who had scored twice against Southampton on Saturday, to nip in front of his marker and score with a decent finish.

Soon after the break, it was a different story
the home side continued to pile in enermous pressure but fail to find the net.