Next Game

Indonesia All Stars v Arsenal

Sunday, 14 July 2013, 20:30

Friendly Match

St James' Park, Newcastle

Last Game

Newcastle 0 - 1 Arsenal

Sunday, 19 May 2013, 16:00

Barclays Prem

Gervinho calm over top spot

Gervinho is refusing to place too much importance on Arsenal's bid to secure a seeding for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Last Updated: 02/12/12 at 11:13 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Champions League To Reach the Final 12/13 Reach the Final: Arsenal 80/1

Gervinho: Not too concerned over seedings

Gervinho: Not too concerned over seedings

The Gunners head out to Athens for Tuesday's clash with Olympiacos already through to the last 16 for a 13th consecutive campaign.

However, top spot in Group B is now out of their hands, with leaders Schalke in the driving seat ahead of their game at Montpellier.

Should the Germans win in France, then Arsenal will go into the draw knowing they could come up against one of Europe's leading sides, like they did when tackling Barcelona two seasons ago.

Ivory Coast forward Gervinho feels whatever the outcome, all would not be lost.

"Whether you finish first or second, there will always be some big teams in the next round. If a team has qualified for the last 16, it's because there is a lot quality in it, so the further you go in the competition, the tougher it gets," Gervinho told Arsenal Media.

"Our objective is to finish top of the group, but if we finish second, it won't be the end of the world either."

Gervinho continued: "Look at Real Madrid, they are sure to finish second, so if you win your group, you could still face them in the last 16.

"The most important thing is to be in great form before playing in the knockout stages."

Gervinho maintains Arsenal must first concern themselves with doing their own job in Athens before worrying about what might be going on the compact Stade de la Mosson.

"Anything is possible in football. Montpellier drew in Schalke earlier in the season so they can do it at home," he said. "But if Montpellier win and we don't, it will be pointless anyway, so first of all we need to do our part of the job.

"We will stay focused on ourselves and beating Olympiacos, and then we will have a look at how Montpellier are doing."

Arsenal have faced Olympiacos twice in the previous three seasons, losing each of their ties in Athens.

"Every game in the Champions League is tough, from start to finish. We never think that a game will be easy," said Gervinho.

"It's down to us to start the game well, to control it and finish it well."

While Arsenal may be off the pace in the Premier League, there is a growing feeling they could emulate holders Chelsea and make a real impact in Europe.

Gervinho said: "If we don't have faith, we will never get there. I really believe that everything can happen this year in the competition. There have been teams who won it and no one expected it.

"We are a big club with great players. One of the objectives of the club is to win the Champions League, and we feel we can do it."

Bet with SkyBet  Champions League To Reach the Final 12/13 Reach the Final: Arsenal 80/1

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Roberto Martinez to decide his Wigan future next week

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez will make a decision on his future after holding talks with chairman Dave Whelan next week.

Carrick excited by Moyes arrival

Michael Carrick insists Manchester United's players are ready to embrace the challenge of playing for David Moyes.

Real confirm Mourinho departure

Chelsea are free to name Jose Mourinho as their new manager after Real Madrid confirmed he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved