Arsenal staged a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to beat Standard Liege 3-2 in their Champions League Group H opener on Wednesday evening.

The Gunners went into the game having lost successive league games to Manchester United and City – and it looked like it would be three defeats on the spin as they were 2-0 behind within five minutes in Belgium.

The opener came on two minutes when Eduardo’s fancy flick fell to Eliaquim Mangala, who beat Vito Mannone with a low drive from 18 yards.

William Gallas then fouled Milan Jovanovic in the box, with the striker easily beating Mannone from the penalty spot.

Arsene Wenger’s men were shell-shocked but recovered their composure as the first half went on, and pulled a goal back on 45 when Nicklas Bendtner coolly converted Abou Diaby’s defence-splitting pass.

The visitors enjoyed more possession after the break and grabbed a controversial equaliser on 78, when Cesc Fabregas’ free-kick appeared to be handled by an offside Alexandre Song, who squared for Thomas Vermaelen to bundle home from close range.

Eduardo and Vermaelen were both denied goals by a brilliant save and a goalline clearance – but the Gunners grabbed an unbelievable third goal on 81 when Eduardo turned the ball home from a corner to spark wild celebrations.

Rafael Benitez brushed aside criticism of Liverpool‘s downbeat 1-0 Champions League victory over Hungarian champions Debrecen by insisting he was happy because it was a win.

Liverpool’s display in their opening Group E clash was way short of their best, and they were made to struggle by a team playing in the group stages for the first time.

Dirk Kuyt grabbed the winner in the final seconds of the first period, but despite dominating throughout and creating a glut of chances, Liverpool were unable to produce a convincing scoreline.

Source + Pic: football365.com