ARSENAL, Sagna: "Podolski is always doing that in training"

© foto di RICHRD PELHAM

Bacary Sagna was not surprised to see Lukas Podolski score a stunning volley against Montpellier - because he regularly does that in training.

The Germany international smashed Olivier Giroud's lofted pass into the roof of the net to secure Arsenal's 2-0 win at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night and book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Sagna was delighted for Podolski - and his fellow scorer Jack Wilshere - and is now setting his sights on claiming top spot in Group B.

"[Podolski's goal] was amazing," Sagna told Arsenal Player. "He always does it in training. We know he has a very strong shot and he showed tonight that he is a great player, he showed he can score great goals. Everyone was really happy to see him scoring like he did.

"I am very happy for [Wilshere too], he went through some tough moments and as a player it is never easy to come back after being injured for so long. I am very happy for him and I'm looking forward to seeing him score even more goals.

"It was a massive, massive win. It was a very important game for us, we wanted to qualify and we did it. It was a very hard game, Montpellier are a good team, defensively they were in shape.

"We knew it was going to be a difficult game, we managed to stay focused, to defend well as a team, and finally we found some opportunities to score goals.

"If we want to avoid a big team [in the first knockout round], because usually they come first, we need to finish first in the group. We'll go and try to win in Olympiacos, it won't be easy because they are a quality side. But if we want to finish first we need to win."