Gunners win takes its toll on Bould
Steve Bould, pictured, described Lukas Podolski as one of the best finishers he has seen
Assistant boss Steve Bould admitted he had "a bit of a headache" after stepping into the Arsenal dugout for Tuesday's Champions League opener in Montpellier which saw the Gunners battle back to win 2-1.
Manager Arsene Wenger was serving the first of his three-game touchline UEFA ban - and would have been fuming from the stands after Younes Belhanda slotted home a penalty when captain Thomas Vermaelen fouled him. But two quick goals from Lukas Podolski and Gervinho ensured the Gunners made a winning start in Europe.
Bould said afterwards: "I am not sure I enjoyed it. I have got a headache and a half. It is tough, a different pressure than I have been used to taking the Under-18s - but we won and we had a great result."
Bould felt it was another encouraging display from the squad.
"It was difficult. I thought we were excellent in the first half - we kept the ball and kept the crowd quiet," he said. "We looked a little bit tired in the second half, because it was very humid and the crowd got behind them. It is quite an intimidating place to come and play so we are glad to get the result.
"We have had a decent start to the season and we have kept the run going so it's important all round, for the whole season. We have got great team spirit and I think that was evident. Everybody is digging in and things are looking okay."
Podolski netted his third goal in as many games, with a neat finish after quick passing on the edge of the penalty area.
Bould said: "Podolski has made a real impact. I have to say I've not seen many finishers as good as him - ever, right foot, left foot, they always go in at 100 miles per hour in training. He is a good trainer, a good boy and has really added something this year."
Montpellier coach Rene Girard felt his team could take some positives out of their Champions League debut. He said: "I have some regrets but also some satisfaction. Maybe we were a bit too shy in the first half, then looked more determined. We had a few chances to equalise, but at this level when you make some mistakes, you will pay for it.
"We can be proud, because apart from these two minutes we managed to play well against this top European team like Arsenal, so there can also be some positives from this performance."
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Great comeback after conceding early, good finish from both strikers & nice to see Gervinho regaining confidence & form. Although under the cosh for most of the 2nd half they didn't cave in & Steve Bould has definitely added a more steely resolve to the defense, all in all a good away win.
COYG'S
Christopher, I was one of those who wasn't 100% sure of Podolski that he was a bit of petulant prima donna but never doubted his ability to score goals. He's a player that needs service and with Arsenal's ability to create chances, he'll be an excellent finisher. i can see him being one of the contenders this season for the golden boot! He's seems to have settled in nicely.
Nice to see Gervinho scoring now as well, Arsenal only need Giroud to get over his confidence issue but I can see him getting there eventually.
Nice to see both Mertesecker has upped his game and Diaby finally living up to his potential.
All in all a good team performance, Steve Bould take a bow!
I said it before Pat Rice was an excellent assistant coach and great Arsenal servant but way too mild mannered for me. Wenger is too similar and needed someone with a bit of the 'hairdryer effect' on occasion, I think Bouldy is that man at last!!!
Wenger OUT!
