PSV Eindhoven coach Ronld Koeman believes his side deeserved their 1-0 win over Arsenal – a result which sets up an intriguing second leg in Highbury on a fortnight’s time.
Ecuador midfielder Mendez scored with a spectacular low drive from 25 metres which eluded goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.
“This was the maximum result we could get and based on the second half I think we deserved it,” PSV coach Ronald Koeman told reporters.
“We can defend and proved that today but in London Arsenal will raise the pressure and we will need to reach our second half level to get through.”
“I am very proud of my team and we got the best and deserved result – especially looking at the second half,” he said.
“As the match went on, we put more pressure on them and were more compact during the later stages.
“We are in a fantastic position, and if we play the same level in the second half when we go to London then we have a chance.”
Last year’s finalists Arsenal appeared in control in the first half, but sloppy finishing from the Gunners saw the teams go into the interval on level terms. Manager Arsene Wenger was at a loss to explain Arsenal’s second-half performance
“We had a decent first half and created chances, after the break we dropped our game,” Arsene Wenger said.
“It is hard to say what happened but now we are in a tricky situation as we have to score twice in the return and concede none. We attacked less well in the second half and made the mistake that resulted in their goal.”
However, the Arsenal boss remains confident can recover in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on 7 March.
“From tonight I feel we are in a tricky situation because we have to score two without conceding,” he said.
“But from the game I have seen tonight, we have enough confidence and belief that we can achieve that.”
