Wenger relaxed despite losing lead

Arsenal FC manager Arséne Wenger said he was not concerned about his side's form as their recent disappointing continued with a 1-1 draw at home to Panathinaikos FC in UEFA Champions League Group E. For the third group match in susccession English champions gave away a lead - Thierry Henry's penalty cancelled out by Pascal Cygan's own goal - but Wenger instead puts the latest disappointment down to "physical" problems rather than mental ones. His opposite number, Zdenek Šcasný, meanwhile, was once again delighted by his team’s resilience as they stayed within a point of second-placed Arsenal, the visitors having also missed a penalty at 1-0 down, Angelos Basinas shooting high and wide. Arsenal are three points adrift of group leaders PSV Eindhoven.

Arséne Wenger, Arsenal manager
We have had a little dip physically, but there is no dip in confidence. I think our problem is a physical one. We have to work on the physical side of our team because we are usually stronger. They were very strong physically, they defended very well and they made the most of their chances. We gave everything but so did they. We were a little bit unlucky. Both teams played pretty well, but they did not take many risks. We cannot be too dramatic - we have only lost one game in the season so far. We know we can go forward from here. I believe we can still qualify, but we do have to work on the physical side of our team.

Zdenek Šcasný, Panathinaikos coach
I want to congratulate my team on their performance. We could have won the game from the penalty, but we also could have lost overall, so I am very happy with the result. Arsenal created fewer chances in these two games than in all their other games this season. We did not play in the style Arsenal expected us to play. The key was controlling the tempo of the game. Tonight's game will help us. If we are well prepared we can face any team in Europe. However right now my mind is on the next game in the Greek league on Sunday, not on this tournament.