Emmanuel Petit must prove tonight (7.45) that he finds opposing forwards easier to control than his middle finger. In the absence of four Arsenal centrebacks, he will play as an emergency defender. Suddenly the Gunners' 5-1 lead looks far less convincing.

Petit has not played at centrehalf since he left Monaco in 1997. But with Tony Adams and Matthew Upson injured, and Martin Keown and Gilles Grimandi suspended, he will feature either in a back three or, more likely, alongside Oleg Luzhny. Arsene Wenger knows an early goal would change the tie's complexion.

"Deportivo La Coruna have shown quality and anything can happen," Arsenal's manager said. "In Nantes (in the last round) we could have been 3-0 down inside 10 minutes, and here we are playing the top team in the Spanish league who are strong at home. I don't think it's all over. I know nearly all the 24 players in their squad and that shows how good they are."

Yet even without the non-flying Dennis Bergkamp, Arsenal should get the away goal they need to be safe. And Wenger has told Petit he must be a non-swearing Frenchman.

"He's intelligent enough to know he shouldn't react," he said. "To respond to these people is to tell them they have an influence on you." Now the 29-year-old can expect more abuse than ever.