Arsene Wenger happy with Arsenal response

Manager Arsene Wenger praised Arsenal's mental strength after they four days after losing to Aston Villa in their Premier League opener.

The Gunners are now clear favourites to progress to the Champions League group stages after the play-off away leg win.

"It was a banana skin because the atmosphere was heated," said Wenger.

"I think we controlled the game and, of course, we wanted a great response after the disappointment on Saturday."

Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud struck second-half goals as Arsenal outclassed their Turkish opponents.

And Wenger added: "We are now in a strong position but we want to finish the job next Tuesday.

"We didn't come in to the tie shaking, but resolute, determined and with a desire to take the game to them.

"The only way to do it is to go out there and play like you want to play."

Wenger's failure to make any more summer signings after recruiting French striker Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer was criticised by some fans after a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Villa on Saturday.

The Frenchman admitted his side's confidence could have been dented by the loss, but predicted there would be more additions after they all but sealed their place in the Champions League proper.

"We could have been a little bit shaky after what happened on Saturday, so for us it was very important to start on the front foot," he added.

"That was vital tonight for us and we did it well.

"The transfer market really starts now, a lot of activity will happen between now and 2 September. We have 12 days, a lot will happen. It starts now."

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joined fellow midfielders Abou Diaby and Mikel Arteta on the sidelines after damaging knee ligaments in the loss to Villa and the Gunners could also lose defender Laurent Koscielny for a spell.

The France international is being assessed after suffering a head injury in Istanbul.