
The draw leaves Schalke top of the table with eight points while Arsenal are just a point behind in second, with Olympiakos third on six points after their 3-1 win over bottom Montpellier, leaving all still to play for in the group.
“It’s an open group, I believe we are in a good position where you want to win your home game,” said Wenger with Arsenal hosting Montpellier, bottom of Group B, in a fortnight while Olympiakos are at Schalke the same night.
“Schalke have to win their game against Olympiakos as well, so it will probably come down to the last game.”
England forward Theo Walcott squandered two clear chances to win the game, hitting the post in the final 15 minutes, then firing straight at Schalke goal-keeper Lars Unnerstall with virtually the last kick of the game.
“It’s regrettable that we conceded a goal before the break, then missed a goal with the last chance of the game. They both had a great influence on the result.”
Mancini gives up hope after Ajax hold City
City coach Roberto Mancini declared Manchester City’s Champions League campaign over after seeing his side held to a disappointing result of 2-2 by Ajax on a contentious evening at the Etihad Stadium.
The result has left the English champions five points below second-place Real Madrid in Group D with only two points from four games, and although wins in their last two matches could take them through, Mancini feels it is too late.
“I don’t think we have a chance,” said Mancini. “Eight points if we win both games. If we do that and go through, we can win the Champions League! It would be our destiny.
“But I believe in my team always, even maybe sometimes when there are mistakes.”
Mancini confessed he had not seen the incident involving Mario Balotelli, but he admitted haranguing the match official about the decision not to let Aguero’s goal stand.
He also dismissed reports he had threatened a television cameraman in the immediate aftermath of the match.
Malaga’s European dream continues
Malaga continued their dream Champions League campaign with qualification for the lucrative knockout phase of the competition after a 1-1 draw against AC Milan at the San Siro.
Malaga’s much-travelled Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini, however, says his side will not be resting on their laurels.
“We didn’t win, but to come to the San Siro and
getting a draw is an important result for us,” said Pellegrini.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 8th, 2012.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ