Arsenal winger Gervinho has insisted that Montpellier HSC deserved to win the Ligue 1 title last year.

The French club won their first ever league title last season but have managed just one win from their first five games of their current campaign.

La Paillade host the Gunners in the Champions League on Tuesday night, with the two teams in contrasting forms, but the Ivorian says that his side have much respect for their opponents.

"Montpellier played well last season and when we saw the recruiting that PSG did last season, we felt [PSG] would win the league," said Gervinho.

"But Montpellier made it through the whole league and deserved to win it.

"Every team has a chance. Nothing is done before the game and we are hoping to do well in the competition. We are respectful towards this Montpellier side. Maybe tomorrow I can tell you how much of a chance they have."

Olympiakos and Schalke 04 make up the remainder of Group B.