Arsenal held to goalless draw by Marseille

Arsenal were held to a goalless draw against Marseille at the Emirates on Tuesday night. If Arsenal had won the game they would have qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, however they could only manage a draw but still sit at the top of Group F with 8 points. Neither side looked as though they wanted to score as plenty of chances went begging throughout the game. Carl Jenkinson returned from injury at right back whilst Vermaelen came in for Koscielny. Ju Young Park made his European debut for the Gunners as Van Persie was rested and started on the bench.

Ju Young Park was making his Champions League debut

The first chance of the game fell to the visitors, Marseille. Andre Ayew got to the byline before feeding his brother Jordan who flicked his shot just wide.

Arsenal had started slowly and Marseille managed to create another chance as Remy slid the ball into the box but Andre Ayew poked his shot wide.

The French side then created another chance. Santos giving the ball away to Valbuena who then found Remy who cut inside and fired his attempt over the bar. The shot, however, did take a deflection off an Arsenal man and the referee gave a corner.

Arsenal's first chance then finally came as Gervinho raced forward before finding Walcott who shot at goal but saw his shot saved by Manadanda in the Marseille goal. 

The Gunner's next chance fell to Gervinho who again ran at the defence before firing a shot at goal which was straight at Mandanda who made the easy save.

Aaron Ramsey then had a great chance to give Arsenal the lead. Santos got forward and played the ball to the back post where Ramsey was but he put his shot high and wide from not far out.

Loic Remy was causing the Arsenal defence plenty of problems throughout the night and was inches away from giving Marseille the lead. Remy cut inside from the right hand side and played a one-two with Cheyrou before curling a shot which went just past the post. Szczesny wouldn't have had a chance had the shot been on target.

Gervinho was Arsenal's main man on the night and he managed to create another chance for Arsenal as he stung the hands of Mandanda from a shot from outside the area. However the ball still couldn't find the net.

Arsenal were looking desperate to score and Ramsey should have done again as he found himself in space inside the box. Ramsey took too long with his shot though and the defender was allowed to come across and block the attempt.

The second half saw pretty much the same as neither side could again convert their chances. One of the best of the second half fell to substitute Van Persie. He went clean through on goal but tried to chip the goalkeeper, however he failed in his attempt and the ball was caught easily by the Marseille keeper.

Marseille wanted all three points and almost got it as Amalfitano broke into the penalty area before hitting a shot which went wide.

The final score finished Arsenal 0-0 Marseille.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey(66), Walcott, Gervinho(77), Park(62).
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Koscielny, Rosicky(66), Benayoun, Arshavin(77), Van Persie(62). 

Marseille: Mandanda, Fanni, N'Koulou, Diawara, Morel, Diarra, Cheyrou. Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew(84), Valbuena(74), Remy(68). 
Subs: Bracigliano, Azpilicueta, Traore, Kabore, Gonzalez(74), Amalfitano(68), Gignac(84).

My man of the match: Thomas Vermaelen


Referee: Paolo Tagliavento
Attendance: 59,961