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Match - Tue 18 September, 20:45,
| Goals | Goals |
|---|---|
| 10. Younes Belhanda (9’) | 27. Gervinho (18’) |
| 9. Lukas Podolski (16’) |
Arsenal start with a win
Arsenal's Gervinho celebrates scoring his team's third goal
It did not start well for the London side when Abou Diaby was booked after just 21 seconds, the quickest Champions League booking since Paulo Jorge in November 2009.
Then The Gunners fell behind after just nine minutes when Thomas Vermaelen conceded a needless penalty for a clumsy challenge on Younes Belhanda.
Belhanda's chipped penalty was executed with a touch of flair and confidence.
But then Arsenal replied, striking twice in the space of three minutes.
First, Olivier Giroud’s pass found Lukas Podolski in space behind the Montpellier defence and he beat goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourdren easily.
Then Ivory Coast striker Gervinho put Arsenal ahead when he turned a low cross into the net from close range.
Referee Carlos Velasco Carballo waved away another late penalty shout by Montpellier as the irrepressible Cabella went to ground under Diaby's challenge. But Arsenal stood firm.
The win leaves Arsenal top of Group B, level with German side Schalke.
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