Arsene Wenger maintains Arsenal must not lose their focus despite
taking a significant step towards qualifying for the group stages
of the Champions League with a 2-0 victory at Sparta Prague.
The Gunners - in their first European tie since the sale of
talisman Thierry Henry - saw off a determined Czech side with a
goal from Cesc Fabregas midway through the second half and a
stoppage-time strike from Alexander Hleb.
However, Arsenal were under pressure for large spells at the AXA
Stadium.
Wenger was more than happy with the way his young team coped on a
balmy night in Prague, against a strong opposition and partisan
crowd.
Now the Arsenal manager has called on them to stay committed and
finish the job at Emirates Stadium in a fortnight's time.
"The whole team has a resilience, they fight to the last second -
and we have shown that again when we scored the goal," said Wenger,
his men having beaten Fulham on Sunday courtesy of another
stoppage-time winner from Hleb.
"I am very pleased with the result.
"However, 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."
Sparta certainly did not stand off the English side, weighing in
with plenty of strong challenges.
Former West Ham defender Tomas Repka was involved in most of the
early exchanges, clattering into Robin van Persie after just two
minutes before eventually having to be replaced before half-time
when he was injured after a clash with Fabregas.
Wenger felt his side dealt with what was thrown at them with great
composure.
"It was a very physical game. Sparta played with a total commitment
in the first half and stopped us from playing," he said.
"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 second half. Then we were more dangerous."
Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann - guilty of a terrible blunder against
Fulham on Sunday - produced some fine saves and it was his quick
throw which set full-back Bacary Sagna away for the injury-time
goal.
Wenger said: "I feel against Fulham, he made a big mistake in first
minute after he had a good performance and showed mental
strength.
"Against Sparta, he had great saves and was very influential on the
second goal we scored as well."
Sparta coach Michal Bilek felt his side had deserved more.
He said: "Overall, although it was a great performance, we were
disappointed with the result."
"There is still the game at the Emirates Stadium, and we will try
to put on a good performance - but getting through would really be
a great surprise."
