ARSENAL, Arteta: "It was so vital for us to stay calm"

© foto di Giuseppe Celeste/Image Sport

Mikel Arteta believes a key factor behind Arsenal's victory in Montpellier on Tuesday night was their ability to stay calm under pressure.

Goals from Lukas Podolski and Gervinho helped the Gunners come back from one goal down in their opening Champions League Group B game to claim the three points.

But Arsène Wenger's side were put under intense pressure in the second half, and had to work overtime to secure the result at the Stade de la Mosson.

"We knew it was going to be tough, they were champions in France last year and that is no coincidence," Arteta told Arsenal Player.

"They work really hard, they have some talented players and scored the first one at home, which means it is always difficult to get back into the game.

"But we scored two brilliant goals and managed to get the result - it was vital for us to get the first three points away from home.

"You can't panic, we knew in the last 25 minutes they were going to throw some bodies up front and create some problems. They missed a clear chance at the end but I am so glad to get the points, it is a brilliant way to start."

Arsenal now travel to Manchester City on Sunday and Arteta hopes the team can maintain the momentum generated after three successive victories.

"It is going to be tough, City have not lost at home for a long time," he said. "It is big test, [we must] show our character. Last year we went there and were unlucky to lose. It will be tough, but they are the champions."