Arsenal spirit shone through, says Bould

Arsenal assistant manager Steve Bould praised the team’s spirit in their ‘tough’ 2-1 win over Montpellier in the Champions League.

Bould was standing in for Arsene Wenger, with the Frenchman serving the first of his three-game touchline ban, as goals from Lukas Podolski and Gervinho completed the turnaround after Younes Belhanda had given the home side an eighth-minute lead from the penalty spot.

And Bould was pleased with the result after the Gunners withstood a Montpellier onslaught in the second half.

“I am really pleased. It was difficult. I thought we were excellent in the first half – we kept the ball and kept the crowd quiet,” he told Sky Sports.

“We looked a little bit tired in the second half. It was tough. It is quite an intimidating place to come and play so we’re glad to get the result.

“It’s fabulous to get an early away win. We’ve had a decent start to the season and we have kept the run going so it is important all round, for the whole season.

“We’ve got great team spirit and I think that was evident tonight. Everybody is digging in and things are looking OK.”

Olivier Giroud started the match on his return to former club Montpellier, and although he failed to find the mark again, he provided a vital assist for Podolski which didn’t go unnoticed.

“Olivier (Giroud) did a really good team job for us tonight. He works really, really hard for the team,” Bould said.

“At set-pieces he is fabulous. He defends and he works for the team. He had one chance at the near post that was difficult. He is a really hard-working boy and I’m sure the goals will come.”

Giroud was delighted to get the victory and paid tribute to the home fans for cheering him throughout the match.

“I tried to stay really focused before the game. I did not go out, I wanted to keep my mind on the pitch and I did it pretty well,” he said.

“Tonight we got the victory and I was really glad about the way the fans cheered for me.

“Look, I didn’t score the goal which would have helped me and definitely kick-started my season, but I was decisive by giving an assist to Lukas (Podolski).”

Disappointed Montpellier manager Rene Girard was left to rue a five-minute lapse in concentration from his side that ultimately cost them the game.

“We should be disappointed with how things went. We lost our concentration for five minutes against a team like Arsenal and we were punished,” he said.

“In the second half I saw my team playing as I like them to; with a lot of desire and motivation and creating chances. However, you need to convert them.

“Unfortunately we paid for a lack of conviction in the first half. I also think that the lads were not relaxed, they were worrying about how to play and how our opponents could counterattack us.

“There were five minutes when we conceded two goals and against such a team that is not allowed. This is a high level and we have much to learn.”