Arsenal fight back to edge spirited Montpellier

MONTPELLIER, France (AFP) - Arsenal came from behind to win 2-1 in an end-to-end game at Champions League debutants Montpellier on Tuesday, as Arsene Wenger's side made a winning start to their Group B campaign.

Younes Belhanda stunned the visitors with a ninth-minute Panenka penalty but Arsenal hit back through quick-fire goals from Lukas Podolski and Gervinho to secure only their sixth win in their last 16 group-phase away games.

"It was difficult," said Arsenal assistant coach Steve Bould, who took charge of the team due to Wenger's touchline ban.

"In the first half, I thought we were excellent and kept the crowd really quiet. The second half was tough and we looked a bit tired physically.