Nasri - We deserved more from the first leg

By Declan Taylor

Samir Nasri believes Arsenal deserved more from a “conquering” performance against Roma on Tuesday night.
 
Nasri, given the freedom to roam in a central role, was one of the Gunners’ brightest sparks throughout their vital first-leg victory at Emirates Stadium. But despite creating a hatful of chances Arsène Wenger’s side will only take a one-goal advantage to the Stadio Olimpico in a fortnight.
 
The Frenchman thought that his side deserved more for their tireless endeavours but is certain that a repeat performance in the Italian capital should be enough to book a place in the Quarter-Finals.
 
“We probably deserved a higher score,” said Nasri. “We created some good opportunities. Now we have to repeat the performance in the return match.
 
"I think this result is not too bad, even though we could have won it with a larger score. But fortunately we managed not to concede any goals. The positive ahead of the second leg is that tonight we’ve seen a conquering Arsenal side, with a good defensive display. This is very encouraging for the challenges to come.

“We are confident for the second leg as we start that game with a 1-0 lead. We are confident about our means and are convinced we can succeed."
 
After only one goal in their last four Premier League games, Van Persie’s 37-minute penalty was a very welcome tonic for Arsenal, who had already squandered some decent opportunities before the Dutchman struck.
 
Nasri admits that the Giallorossi afforded Arsenal more space than the recent English visitors to the Emirates, resulting in more fluid movement in the final third.

“Unlike in the league, tonight we had more space to move,” said the 21-year-old. “We have managed to create the gaps we needed and we made a lot of movement. Now we have to try to repeat the same performance again. With a 1-0 lead one would try to play the second leg in its usual way.
 
“We have seen that it is important not to let this team play their own game, that’s what we succeeded very well tonight.”

[Wednesday, February 25, 2009]

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