Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he is totally surprised that his side qualified for the Champions League knockout stages ahead of the more fancied Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Gunners sealed their spot in the last 16 of Europe's premier competition for the 12th consecutive season with a 2-1 win over German champions Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.
Captain Robin Van Persie was once again the star of the show for the North London club, bagging himself a brace before Shinji Kagawa scored a late consolation goal for the visitors. People looking at the betting will have been impressed.
Many predicted that the Emirates Stadium club wouldn't even qualify for the group stages after they struggled through the playoffs against Udinese at a time when the team were playing so badly that some fans were even calling for Wenger's head.
"When we drew Udinese in the qualifier, you couldn't bet exactly that we would go through like we have done so overall I am happy.
"We came through a very difficult period because we were united and we worked hard together."
Back then City, United and Chelsea looked in top form but following some shrewd deadline day signings, Wenger has turned his side around and are now back in touching distance of the top four after a nine match unbeaten record. Fans of mobile betting should bear this in mind.
The Frenchman himself admits that he is surprised by his team's progress and even more shocked that they are the first English to qualify for the next stage.
"I am surprised (that we are the first English team to qualify)," Wenger said.
"Manchester United could have qualified (by beating Benfica on Tuesday) and of course everyone expects Man City to qualify.
"We were in a difficult group and I am very happy to see where we have come from.”
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