Lukas Podolski and Gervinho scored as Arsenal came back from a goal down to win 2-1 at Montpellier in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.
All the goals came in a frantic opening spell. Montpellier midfielder Younes Belhanda won and converted a penalty in the ninth minute, Podolski equalized in the 16th and Gervinho put the Gunners ahead two minutes later.
Both Arsenal players had scored in the 6-1 demolition of Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday, and their form is encouraging for a team needing to find goals after Robin van Persie’s offseason departure to Manchester United.
“Podolski has made a real impact. I have to say I’ve not seen many finishers as good as him - ever, right foot, left foot,” said Arsenal’s assistant coach Steve Bould, who led the team as Arsene Wenger served the first game of a touchline ban. “He is a good trainer, a good boy and has really added something this year.”
Striker Olivier Giroud, playing against his old club, set up Podolski’s goal with a clever flick.
Montpellier hit back but winger Remy Cabella struck the crossbar in the second half.
