Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.
Full Time FULL TIME: That's it! Arsenal have their first three points of the group stage. Goals from Podolski and Gervinho were enough after Belhanda have given Montpellier the lead. A hard-fought win - but they all count.
90
MONTPELLIER WANT A PENALTY: Diaby shrugs an attacker off the ball - but the referee shakes his head. Replays show the midfielder was very, very lucky.
90
Substitution ...AND OFF COMES PODOLSKI: He has another goal and is replaced by Walcott.
90
Substitution LATE CHANGES: Francis Coquelin will replace Cazorla.
89
WELL CLAIMED, VITO: Again the Italian has done much to stake his claim for a place. This time he holds on well inside the box under significant pressure. Well played.
87
GERVINHO OFFSIDE: The Ivorian is through on goal - but he's adjudged to be offside from Ramsey's pass. Three minutes plus added time remaining.
84
Yellow Card YELLOW FOR BELHANDA: He tries to shield the ball but inadvertently catches Arteta in the face, possibly accidentally.
82
GET ON TWITTER: We're at #MONvAFC and we'll be publishing your tweets if you join the discussion tonight.
82
STAY ONLINE: We'll have reaction from former Gunner Kenny Sansom on the Matchday Show after the final whistle. Eight minutes left here at the Stade de la Mosson.
80
BELHANDA MUST SCORE! But he fires straight at Mannone! Mertesacker throws himself to the floor but misses the ball and the Moroccan is in acres of space. But his shot is poor and Mannone holds on. A big let-off.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Shocking miss. We just got lucky again in a game that we looked so convincing in the first half. They are really going for it and we are sitting back
78
Substitution AND NOW STAMBOULI: It's Camara coming off.
77
Substitution DOUBLE CHANGE: We'll see striker Emanuel Herrera replace Estrade.
75
Substitution ON COMES RAMSEY: It's Giroud coming off, who has endured a difficult game up front. He comes off with an assist to his name and a battling display under his belt.
Top Comments:
@mwp2010 on Twitter says:
Ramsey substitution could be shrewd move as midfield was getting overrun
74
ARSENAL BEING PUSHED BACK: The Gunners are being forced to defend in waves throughout the second half but are holding firm so far. But this is a little nervy - they don't want to get caught out.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Personally I think we need to make some changes and get some fresh legs out there
72
ALMOST FOR PODOLSKI: Cazorla plays in Giroud through the middle but the striker decides to flick towards the German rather than try himself. He probably should have gone for goal.
Top Comments:
@MaxHouseholder on Twitter says:
Giroud needed to control that and turn! Had no idea he was all alone there!
69
GIROUD WATCH: The striker has been forced to put in a gritty display against his former club. He set up Podolski's equaliser but otherwise he's been left to battle up front on his own. Defensively he has been excellent.
68
JUST OVER 20 REMAINING: Montpellier have shown flashes of their capabilities in this second half, while Arsenal have tested their backline sporadically. The Gunners remain in control, however.
Top Comments:
@Kasper_kmc86 on Twitter says:
They are having to much possession and we are just watching them, close them down quicker
67
Substitution MONTPELLIER CHANGE: Moroccan forward Karim Ait-Fana replaces Mounier.
61
ARSENAL NEED TO BE CAREFUL: Bould may call for a little more urgency from his side with 30 minutes remaining. Montpellier have edged themselves back into this game.
Top Comments:
@GiacomoC1988 on Twitter says:
Wow waves of attack from Montpellier, Arsenal need to take the sting out of the game by slowing it down.
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
All of our creative players with pace and energy are just not in it at the moment. If there is to be another goal you’d expect it to come from Montpellier
60
SCHALKE BACK AHEAD: But Klaas-Jan Huntelaar fires the German side back into the lead. 2-1.
59
OLYMPIACOS ARE LEVEL: Djamel Abdoun has equalised for the Greek champions against Schalke. 1-1.
57
GOOD SAVE JOUDREN: But what a run from Diaby. The midfielder bulldozes through the middle and feeds Cazorla, who unleashes straight at the Montpellier goalkeeper. The hosts clear for a corner, which is eventually dealt with.
55
CABELLA OFF THE BAR! What an effort! The promising youngster tries to chip Mannone from outside the area but watches his effort bounce back off the crossbar. That is as big a warning sign as Arsenal could have.
Top Comments:
@SamSWalker on Twitter says:
Can we have the first half Arsenal back please.
54
WE WANT YOUR THOUGHTS: If you're on Twitter, why not join the discussion at #MONvAFC? We'll publish our favourites here.
53
MOUNIER VOLLEYS WIDE: The midfielder is at it again as he latches onto a ball over the top. But instead of taking a touch he shoots wide first time.
51
ARSENAL NEED ANOTHER: As mentioned, the hosts have been bright after the interval. A one-goal lead is never safe in football as we know full well.
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Montpellier have started the half brightly. One or two nervy moments for Arsenal at the back.
50
MOUNIER STRIKES: Montpellier have started the second half well. A corner is cleared and the midfielder drives an effort straight at an Arsenal defender.
Top Comments:
@Kyle_NI on Twitter says:
Jenkinson, Mertesacker and Gervinho are unrecognisable from this time last year
47
DANGEROUS, ABOU: The experienced midfielder gifts possession to Cabella inside the Arsenal penalty area but fortunately for him, the young midfielder skews his effort wide. A lack of composure? Or did he expect the referee to blow? A very good chance.
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal just can’t afford to take their foot of the gas in the second half. We have been underplaying Monpellier but they are the reigning Ligue 1 champions
Kick Off AND WE'RE OFF AGAIN: Arsenal have a slender lead to defend in the first half. They'll be looking to close this one out with at least one more goal to their name.
Top Comments:
@Alukujr on Twitter says:
One more and we rest Podolski for Etihad Sunday. Bring on Chambo and Walcott
Half Time HALF TIME: Montpellier 1-2 Arsenal. It's Arsenal who deservedly lead at the break thanks to goals from Lukas Podolski and Gervinho. Younes Belhanda's ninth-minute penalty put the hosts ahead. Encouraging stuff.
Top Comments:
@kts_gunner on Twitter says:
We have some interesting players on the bench that can make the difference on 2nd half. I'm optimistic!
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
We are running the game, they have no game plan. They are just passing the ball around. Montpellier need a leader out there
45
BUT IT'S NOT GREAT: Cazorla's ball in is poor and Joudren takes comfortably.
45
ARSENAL CORNER: Giroud does brilliantly to find Podolski's run in the box but the German can't quite get the ball under control and Montpellier clear. One more chance before the whitle.
45
GIROUD ON THE VOLLEY: That was a difficult chance to take. Gibbs bombs down the left and fires in the cross which the France international hooks over. His first sight of goal.
44
GERVINHO WRIGGLES: Cazorla (who else?) picks out the Ivorian with a wonderful ball out wide. He drifts inside, dodges one tackle but his shot is blocked. Unlucky.
42
SCHALKE IN THE LEAD: Elswhere in Arsenal's group, Benedikt Howedes has put Schalke 1-0 up at Olympiacos.
41
Yellow Card YELLOW FOR YANGA-MBIWA: The defender overruns in possession and clatters Arteta after his error. A fair yellow card.
Top Comments:
@MaxHouseholder on Twitter says:
Arteta is having a rough day at the office. He's played well on the ball, but also ended up on the deck a number of times!
40
FIVE MINUTES TO THE BREAK: Arsenal will be fairly pleased with their first-half display. It hasn't been particularly pretty but they have battled from behind to lead the hosts. I think we'll all take that.
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal will be relatively pleased with what they have done in the first half. That first goal may have actually done them a favour and given them a lift
36
MONTPELLIER CORNER: This time it's Gervinho who tracks back to block Mounier's cross. Mannone clutches the set-piece, however, and Arsenal start again. Good work from the Italian.
Top Comments:
@donnellybags on Twitter says:
Arsenal have been very good so far. We may not have Cesc or RVP but in terms of the squad, I think it's the best in years
34
CABELLA JUST WIDE: The young midfielder uses his skill to cut inside and drives an effort which Mannone pushes past the post excellently. The resulting corner is pumped out to Estrada, who fires wide.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
That’s just a little warning for Arsenal there to show them what Montpellier can do. It was only just wide and that would have been another goal out of nowhere.
32
CABELLA GETS A WARNING: The referee has cottoned onto Tom Dal- we mean, Cabella's 'theatrical' antics and has a word with the young Frenchman.
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Cabella is in an interesting player. He's a player with a big future ahead of him according to most French football watchers
29
ENOUGH DRAMA? We're only half an hour into this season's Champions League campaign but already we have three goals. Fortunately two of those are ours. Arsenal are trying to dictate this game to their own pace - they are in control.
Top Comments:
@Ashish_Gooner on Twitter says:
Gervinho is absolutely flying whenever he has the ball!!
27
GIROUD BACK TO DEFEND: Estrada tries to get his cross in on the left but Arsenal's striker tracks back well to block for a corner.
Top Comments:
@PeterJackson94 on Twitter says:
Giroud will come good I'm confident of it!! His a first goal then settled player and a worker too
@jim_ajmal on Twitter says:
Really don't mind if Giroud does not score because he is defending very well for a forward.
22
MERTESACKER DOES WELL: Belhanda outmuscles Arteta and burst towards goal but the German defender blocks his effort to safety.
18
HATS OFF TO JENKINSON: Arsenal are a little bit fortunate as the ball breaks to the young right back, who advances and squares across goal for Gervinho to flick home. A wonderful two minutes.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
This is what Arsenal need – four or five goalscorers to spread the burden
@sajmaj02 on Twitter says:
Great response and support looks good from the lads
18
GOAL! - Gervinho 1 : 2 AND THERE'S A SECOND! WHAT A TURNAROUND FOR ARSENAL!
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Everyone was surprised to see Mon with the lead, it was a gift of a goal. Now we’ve got the game in control and we have to put the screws to them
16
FINE PLAY GIROUD: The Frenchman finds the intelligent run of Podolski, who keeps his composure and slides the ball underneath Joudren. That's the response we wanted.
16
GOAL! - Lukas Podolski 1 : 1 PODOLSKI SLOTS HOME! He's done it again!
Top Comments:
@marc_ayres110 on Twitter says:
Brilliant football and a great finish from Podolski
15
GOOD FROM GERVINHO: The winger links up with Jenkinson neatly down the right before firing a cross into the Montpellier area. It's dealt with by captain Yanga-Mbiwa but that was positive.
Top Comments:
@CapzUK on Twitter says:
This score line doesn't even phase me. Let us try and get comfortable. We will create a chance soon
13
CABELLA TAKES A TUMBLE: This isn't the Olympics, sonny. The midfielder takes a theatrical dive and wins his side a free-kick. The hosts' tails are up. Arsenal clear, however.
Top Comments:
@NIGooner4life on Twitter says:
This ref is shocking, far far too fussy
12
THAT WASN'T IN THE SCRIPT: Now it's a different story for Arsenal. How will they react to this early setback? It's a blow - but Arsenal are pushing for the equaliser straight away.
9
GOAL! - Younes Belhanda 1 : 0 AND BELHANDA SCORES: That's when the Panenka goes right. The Moroccan steps up and chips straight down the middle - but it fools Mannone. A bad start after a bright opening.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
It's the worst possible start.It’s different test all together. How are we going to deal with getting back into the game?
8
PENALTY TO MONTPELLIER! Nobody quite knows what's going on. Vermaelen's challenge inside the area on Belhanda is scruffy - and the referee points to the spot. He can have few complaints.
Top Comments:
@JayAyeOh on Twitter says:
Need to watch that again to see if that was in the box. Unlucky anyway.
6
BUT IT'S CLEARED: Mertesacker goes up for the header among a sea of bodies but Montpellier clear fairly comfortably. Encouraging stuff from Arsenal in the early stages.
6
ARSENAL CORNER: It's been a bright start. Podolski and Gibbs link up nicely once more, with the latter winning a corner.
Top Comments:
@Michael88Con on Twitter says:
Gibbs is so underrated! Arsenal well on top
4
CAZORLA AGAINST THE WALL: The Spaniard drills an effort towards goal but it's nowhere near troubling Joudren in the Montpellier goal. The home side clear.
3
DANGEROUS FREE-KICK: Gibbs strides forward in typical style and wins Arsenal a free-kick in a good position on the edge of the box.
1
Yellow Card DIABY BOOKED: The midfielder is shown a yellow card inside the first minute after a sliding challenge on Estrada. He'll have to be careful now.
Kick Off AND WE'RE OFF! Arsenal's 2012/13 Champions League campaign is underway in France. It's the hosts who get us underway.
WE'RE NEARLY THERE: The teams are in the tunnel and we'll be underway shortly at the Stade de la Mosson. Come on Arsenal.
"GIVE THEM HELL": That was the call from Montpellier coach Rene Girard. The 30,000 or so supporters will be up for this one - but will it affect the Gunners? This is an experienced side.
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
I definitely think Mon will go out looking for a 0-0 draw. If you leak goals you will lose. You’ve got to score goals to win, but if you don’t concede you can’t lose.
GET INVOLVED ON TWITTER: #MONvAFC is the hashtag to use if you want to join the debate. We'll publish a selection here.
FIFTEEN MINUTES: We're not too far away from kick-off. Remember, Montpellier are making their Champions League debuts tonight. Arsenal are appearing for the 15th consecutive season. But records count for little in a game like this.
BUT THEY ARE THE CHAMPIONS: Both Wenger and Gervinho have insisted they were worthy ones too. This is a side who held off the charge of big-spending Paris Saint-Germain to defy all odds and expectations. Expecting an easy game? Don't count on it.
OUR OPPONENTS: Montpellier have endured a dismal start to the campaign with just one win in their last five games. Their poor run continued with a 3-1 reverse at the hands of newly-promoted Stade Reims on Friday night.
Top Comments:
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
I think Montpellier will be nervous. They are playing against Arsenal who have been playing in the Champions League for 15 years. This is where the manager comes into play. He needs to get them to go out there and relax. He needs to just get the best out of them. But if everyone does their job, they can do something. Still, I think Arsenal will win. Very comfortable.
A BOULD MOVE: Poor pun aside, it will be assistant manager Steve Bould on the sidelines tonight. Wenger took the pre-game meeting and selected his side earlier today but it's the former Gunner who will be influencing things from the sidelines after the Frenchman's three-game European ban. A baptism of fire indeed.
Top Comments:
@Coombs4 on Twitter says:
Steve Bould, Steve Bould, Stevie, Stevie Bould! He’s got no hair, but we don’t care. Stevie, Stevie Bould! Future Arsenal manager?!
Kenny Sansom on Arsenal Player says:
I don’t think it will be a problem even though Arsene Wenger is sitting upstairs. The players know their jobs, they know Stevie Bould. Stevie will obviously try to do what Arsene would want. It’ll be a different voice but the same message.
BIG NIGHT FOR GIROUD: So, the France international is recalled for this one. And who better could Arsene Wenger call upon? No man in Arsenal's squad knows Montpellier better. Understandably he won't celebrate if he does score - but make no mistake, he'll be desperate to get off the mark here tonight.
Top Comments:
@ChristineTrudyM on Twitter says:
Would live to see Giroud get off the mark tonight. Once you pop you cant stop... and all that!
SUBSTITUTES: Pionnier, Congre, Stambouli, Marveaux, Jeunechamp, Herrera, Ait-Fana.
MONTPELLIER: Joudren, Bocaly, Yanga-Mbiwa, Hilton, Bedimo, Mounier, Saihi, Cabella, Estrada, Belhanda, Camara.
SUBSTITUTES: Shea, Koscielny, Santos, Coquelin, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott.
ARSENAL: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Gervinho, Cazorla, Podolski, Giroud.
Top Comments:
@irishgunners on Twitter says:
Surprised at the string team we're fielding tonight. I thought Wenger would rest a few key players
TEAM NEWS: Three changes from Saturday with Olivier Giroud starting against his former club alongside Vito Mannone and Abou Diaby
Hello and welcome to coverage of this evening's Champions League clash between Montpellier and Arsenal.
Montpellier
JOURDREN, Geoffrey
BOCALY, Garry
YANGA-MBIWA, Mapou
HILTON
BEDIMO, Henri
MOUNIER, Anthony
AïT-FANA, Karim (67)
SAIHI, Jamel
CABELLA, Remy
ESTRADA, Marco
HERRERA, Emanuel (77)
BELHANDA, Younes
CAMARA, Souleymane
STAMBOULI, Benjamin (78)
PIONNIER, LAURENT
CONGRE, DANIEL
STAMBOULI, BENJAMIN
JEUNECHAMP, CYRIL
MARVEAUX, JORIS
HERRERA, EMANUEL
AïT-FANA, KARIM
Arsenal
24 MANNONE, Vito
25 JENKINSON, Carl
04 MERTESACKER, Per
05 VERMAELEN, Thomas
28 GIBBS, Kieran
02 DIABY, Abou
08 ARTETA, Mikel
19 CAZORLA, Santi
22 COQUELIN, Francis (90)
27 GERVINHO
09 PODOLSKI, Lukas
14 WALCOTT, Theo (90)
12 GIROUD, Olivier
16 RAMSEY, Aaron (75)
60 SHEA, JAMES
06 KOSCIELNY, LAURENT
11 SANTOS, ANDRE
22 COQUELIN, FRANCIS
16 RAMSEY, AARON
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, ALEX
14 WALCOTT, THEO
Top Comments:
@BearzYo on Twitter says:
Good to see a keeper step in for Schezzerz and do the job. Not had loads to do, Manone, but no mistakes made.