Wenger glad of response

Gunners boss content with 4-0 win over Porto

By James Dall   Last updated: 30th September 2008

Arsene Wenger Arsenal Sheffield United Carling Cup

Wenger: All smiles

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was pleased his side responded to their weekend setback with a convincing triumph over Porto in the UEFA Champions League.

The Gunners suffered their second Premier League loss of the season last Saturday as Hull City claimed a shock win at Emirates Stadium.

Wenger had intimated that he would make several changes to his side for the game against Porto, but his only alteration came via the inclusion of Samir Nasri in the starting XI.

The Frenchman's team were impressive versus the Portuguese Liga champions as they claimed a 4-0 success, and Wenger was glad his charges repaid his trust.

He told Sky Sports News: "I believe sometimes you have to give a chance to the players that were not completely up for it.

Overconfident

"If you do change one or two, then why not four, five or six. The response was very important. If that had not come then it would have been different.

"It was a convincing 4-0 win. We were shocked after Saturday's defeat and we responded to that with a 4-0 home win over Porto.

"I believe we were focused, disciplined and did not take all our chances. Overall, we would have taken 4-0 before the game.

"But it is only half of the week. The next important half is against Sunderland on Saturday.

Fight

"We have plenty of character. We are maturing and in progress. We are ambitious and confident and sometimes maybe overconfident."

Arsenal captain William Gallas added: "We had a point to prove. Nobody likes to lose and it was very important for us to win tonight.

"Like the boss said, we have to play together and fight together. We did a good job tonight."