Wenger plots Monaco upset

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Saturday’s 3-0 win over West Ham sets his side up nicely for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Monaco.

The Gunners were unable to fully capitalise on their first-half superiority at the Emirates but Olivier Giroud scored just before half-time to put them into the lead. They then weathered some West Ham pressure after the break, before Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini wrapped up the victory with second-half goals.

Wenger does not think a big upset is out of the question in France on Tuesday, although his team face a daunting task, having suffered a 3-1 defeat in the first leg at the Emirates.

“We had a good week and it puts in a good position to prepare well for Tuesday night,” he said.

“We know we have a massive challenge but we will give absolutely everything. Another 3-0 would be an ideal result but let’s see what we can do. The pitch (at Monaco) has never been fantastic but we have to adapt and not look for excuses. Just go for it and give our best. They are favourites now but we can reverse it. We just have to make sure the spirit, desire and belief are there.”

Arsenal’s Premier League form is superb and they are now just a point behind second-placed Manchester City, who lost at Burnley on Saturday night.

...SkySports