Wenger: 'We needed to be patient and not make a mistake'

Last updated : 16 August 2007 By Chris Parry
He said:

"It was a very physical game. Sparta played with a total commitment in the first half and stopped us from playing. We needed to be patient and not make a mistake.

"At one stage we were lucky as well, because they hit the post. We needed to play with more purpose in going forwards and did that more in the 2nd half, then we were more dangerous.

"The whole team has a resilience, they fight to the last second - and we have shown that again tonight when we scored the goal. I am very pleased with the result.

"At 2-0 we are not qualified. We know we have to keep on our toes, but the second goal was certainly a mental blow for them."

... and on Mad Jens:

"I feel against Fulham, he made a big mistake in first minute after he had a good performance and showed mental strength. Today had great saves and was very influential on the second goal we scored as well."