Wednesday, 27th August, 2014
Jack Wilshere feels Arsenal booking their spot in the Champions League group stage this evening, for the 17th consecutive season, shows they are a big club.
The Gunners, who started the second leg of their playoff tie against Besiktas level at 0-0, took the lead through Alexis Sanchez on the stroke of half-time and looked to be heading for a comfortable night's work.
But Mathieu Debuchy was shown a second yellow card in the 76th minute, being sent off as Besiktas started to grow into the game.
The Turkish side piled pressure on ten-man Arsenal, but the Gunners held firm and booked their spot in the group stage draw tomorrow, much to Wilshere's delight.
"It is tough against a good team with ten men. They have good quality but we dug it out and showed good character. We had a few chances and normally at this level you get punished for that", the midfielder told Sky Sports.
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"After going down to ten men we are happy with the 1-0. We showed great character, and the defence was brilliant, 17 years in Champions League shows what a big club we are", he continued.
"It is unthinkable not to be in the Champions League. We have to be at this level."
Arsenal, who it has also been confirmed will be without striker Olivier Giroud until the new year through injury, will discover their group opponents tomorrow.
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