Arsene Wenger Talks Arsenal Champions League Hopes After Olympiakos Win

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is targeting a surprise run to the Champions League final after watching his side complete a remarkable 3-0 victory over Olympiakos at the Karaiskakis Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Gunners needed to win by two clear goals to advance to the round of 16, and Wenger believes the result could be a positive omen for his side's chances, per Henry Winter of the Times:

Olivier Giroud netted a hat-trick to send the Gunners through. It was the perfect riposte for the towering Frenchman's many critics.

Wenger appeared to reference how unappreciated Giroud is when congratulating his striker and stressed he's always believed in him, per the club's official Twitter feed:

Giroud's second goal was created via a smart reverse pass from Joel Campbell. The Costa Rican forward has been pressed into service due to Arsenal's many injuries up front.

Wenger applauded the 23-year-old's fighting spirit and credited the many loan moves, which included a stint at Olympiakos, for improving the player:

Campbell has been playing while star man Alexis Sanchez is out. Further back in central midfield, Mathieu Flamini and Aaron Ramsey covered for the absences of Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla.

Wenger felt winning despite the injuries only added to his team's accomplishment in Greece:

The manager knew his patchwork squad had delivered a professional performance at a tough venue. In particular, Wenger praised the tactical application and maturity of his players, per Winter:

Allowing himself a moment of personal pride, Wenger put this win high among his fondest memories in Europe:

But it's team-wide belief Wenger seeks from his elated squad. He believes bouncing back to qualify after losing three of their first four group matches, will do that for his players:

Of course, once the euphoria dies down, Wenger must begin plotting the next step. That means progressing past the last 16 for the first time since the 2009/10 season.

But it won't be easy unless Arsenal can avoid some of the big guns they could be paired with in Monday's draw, as noted by Squawka:

No side will want to face holders Barcelona and their star-studded front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr. this season. But even a so-called "soft" draw may not favour the Gunners after Monaco knocked them out last season.

These are worries for another day, though. Wenger and his players are free to bask in some well-deserved praise for turning around their Champions League campaign and even being in the pot.