Arsenal warned not to get complacent

LONDON: Arsene Wenger has warned his Arsenal stars not to let complacency hand Celtic a European lifeline in today's Champions League play-off second leg.

Wenger's side have one foot in the lucrative Champions League group stages after cruising to a 2-0 victory over Celtic at Parkhead last week.

The Gunners' impressive display in Scotland means they don't need to win the return to go through. A draw or even a one-goal defeat would be enough to secure their place in Europe's elite club competition.

But while Wenger is happy to be in such a strong position, he knows Celtic won't go down without a fight and he is keen to ensure his players don't underestimate the Glasgow club.


"The tie is not safe, we know that," he said. "We experienced a very physical game over there.

"We know the job has to be finished, but we are still in a strong position.

"The result will be determined by the way we play the second leg."

Wenger could be without captain Cesc Fabregas after the Spain midfielder suffered a hamstring injury against Portsmouth on Saturday but, although that would be a significant blow, the Arsenal manager can take heart from the way his side dominated the first leg.

While Arsenal's goals -- a deflection off William Gallas and a Gary Caldwell own goal -- owed a large debt to good fortune, there was no mistaking the Premier League club's extra class in possession.

With convincing victories against Everton and Portsmouth in the league emphasising Arsenal's quality, it would be a major upset if Celtic overturn the deficit.

Yet Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is well aware that Celtic came from 1-0 down to Dinamo Moscow in the last round to claim a surprise 2-0 victory in the second leg.

"Celtic are still a good team and against Moscow in the third qualifying round they lost at home 1-0, but then won 2-0 away," Vermaelen said.