Mikel Arteta. Photo: Nick Potts/PA wire

Mikel Arteta has hailed Arsenal’s composure after they survived heavy pressure to close out a 2-1 win in their Champions League clash against Montpellier last night.

Lukas Podolski and Gervinho scored a quick-fire double as Arsenal came from a goal down to beat the French champions.

But the Gunners were forced to withstand a second half bombardment as Montpellier looked to plunder a share of the points.

“We knew it was going to be tough, they were champions in France last year and that is no coincidence,” Arteta told Arsenal’s official website.

“They work really hard, they have some talented players and scored the first one at home, which means it is always difficult to get back into the game.

“But we scored two brilliant goals and managed to get the result - it was vital for us to get the first three points away from home.

“You can’t panic, we knew in the last 25 minutes they were going to throw some bodies up front and create some problems.

“They missed a clear chance at the end but I am so glad to get the points, it is a brilliant way to start.”