Wenger hails star’s belief after Belgrade win

Michael Graham
Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger is pictured prior to the UEFA Europa League football between Belgrade (Crvena zvezda) and Arsenal, on October 19, 2017 in Belgrade. / AFP PHOTO / Andrej ISAKOVIC (Photo credit should read ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images)

Arsene Wenger said Olivier Giroud predicted his winner for Arsenal against Red Star Belgrade. 

The Gunners had to work for it, but the Frenchman’s late winner handed them an impressive 1-0 win in the Europa League.

“At some stage he [Giroud] came to the touchline and told me we will score. That’s Giroud, he keeps belief when it’s tough.

“That’s why he scores at moments you do not expect him to score.

On the game itself, Wenger added: “It was a very difficult game – with high tensity. We kept going and tried to win the game, they did as well in fairness. Cech made some good saves.

“We got a win that gives credit to the mentality of the team.

“I believe you win when you can – you do not decide when. What is remarkable is the spirit we have shown, fighting together.

“They defended very well, but the goal is a consequence of us wanting to play through them.