Arsenal? It’s just Pot luck

THE only English coach left in Europe has been handed the chance to write his name into football folklore.

Graham Potter is the 42-year-old Brummie in charge of Swedish minnows Ostersunds, who will face Arsenal in the last 32 of the Europa League.

The ex-southampton, Boston United and West Brom defender has gone from coaching at Leeds University in 2010 to being the biggest success story in Swedish football.

Ostersunds, who have risen from Sweden’s fourth tier to European football in just six years, are even making plans to build a statue in his honour near the small ground which holds just over 8,000.

Ostersunds were formed in 1996 – the same year Wenger was appointed at Arsenal – but after three promotions in five years they are set for their biggest adventure yet.

Potter said: “What a fantastic draw! I wanted to get a really big team and we have done.

“It is really cool to be going home to England and meeting one of the best teams in the Premier League.”

Ostersunds forward Saman Ghoddos said: “Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined facing Arsenal in the knock-out stages of the Europa League when I signed for Ostersunds.”

The Europa League offers a passport to the Champions League for the winners and Wenger believes Arsenal have a genuine chance.

The Gunners boss said: “It’s like the FA Cup, we go direct to the knockouts, so let’s give absolutely everything to do it.”