Wilshere scores two as Arsenal beat Marseille

Arsenal maintained their lead at the top of their Champions League group with a convincing 2-0 win over Marseille. Jack Wilshere grabbed both on a night he showed his confidence was ever improving. The Gunners made the French side look like a distinctly average side and they hardly caused any sort of threat all night. Dortmund also beat Napoli meaning we now only require a point to be guaranteed a place in the last sixteen. As for the starting line-up there were a few changes made. Kieran Gibbs missed the game through illness so Nacho Monreal made only his second start of the campaign. Meanwhile Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini replaced Cazorla and Arteta respectively.

Jack Wilshere scored the first brace of his career as Arsenal beat Marseille

Despite winning pretty comfortably, it was one of those games in which the players and Wenger himself came away from the game with one regret, and that was that we didn't score as many goals as we would've liked. Marseille's defence was pretty poor and it could've been 4 or 5. Mesut Ozil missed the chance to regain some form as he missed a penalty. It was a stuttered run-up and a surprisingly poor penalty from a German. Meanwhile, before that, Aaron Ramsey missed a chance from close range. If the challenge on Mertesacker on Saturday was anything to go by then Giroud could've had a penalty too after being dragged to the floor in the first half.

I picked up on Jack Wilshere's fine performance against Southampton at the weekend by saying that we're finally getting to see him at his best this season. He scored two very fine goals on Tuesday night which is bound to give him new found confidence. The first came just 27 seconds into the game. A ball was put down the right channel for Wilshere to run onto, he then cut inside before clipping the ball into the far corner in what was a brilliant finish. His second was the product of a brilliant piece of build-up play which resulted in Ozil sliding the ball across goal for the English midfielder to tap home. Wilshere now has 4 goals this season, the most he's scored in a single campaign, definitely something to get excited about.

Another positive from a pretty productive night for the Gunners was Wojciech Szczesny. He didn't have much to do but when called upon put in a convincing display. In the second half when Marseille looked a little livelier, he pulled off two brilliant stops to deny Thauvin from scoring and putting the visitors back into the game. The Polish keeper has put in some brilliant displays this season, Crystal Palace up there as one of the best, to further assert himself as our number one. He had a spell last season on the sidelines in which Fabianski took his place and it looked as though his position was under threat. However he's come back stronger than ever and only conceding one goal this month outlines that.

Wojciech Szczesny's form hasn't half been helped by the formidable pairing of Mertesacker and Koscielny. Arsenal's back four have only conceded once this month, whilst Per Mertesacker, because he missed the United game, hasn't conceded in the whole month of November for Arsenal and Germany. A quite incredible record. Nacho Monreal came in as mentioned earlier and he did a stern job and looked fairly solid, albeit he wasn't exactly tested until Valbuena and Thauvin came on.

We now look fairly certain to qualify having amassed 12 points from 4 games so far in the so called 'Group of Death'. We're sitting pretty at the top of our group with Dortmund and Napoli both behind on 9 points each. However, if Napoli are to beat us in Naples next time out then they'll need to win by a margin of three points in order to knock us out of the competition. That's if Dortmund some how lose to Marseille on the final match day.

Before that though is a game in the Welsh capital against Cardiff City at the weekend. They've been fairly good at home this season and have beaten Manchester City and recently this weekend, managed to grind out a draw against Manchester United. It won't be an easy game but it's still one that I'm expecting us to win if we want to go on and really challenge for the Premier League title.

The teams lineups:
  
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Wilshere(74), Ramsey, Rosicky(74), Ozil(81), Giroud.
Subs: Fabianski, Vermaelen, Arteta(81), Cazorla(74), Gnabry, Walcott(74), Bendtner.

Marseille: Mandanda, Abdallah, N'Koulou, Mendes, Morel, Lemina(81), Romao, Imbula(57), Ayew(57), Khalifa, Gignac.
Subs: Samba, Diawara, Mendy, Fanni, Cheyrou(81), Thauvin(57), Valbeuna(57).

My man of the match: Jack Wilshere.

Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz (ESP).
Attendance: 59,912.

Ramsey scores yet again as Arsenal beat Marseille

Aaron Ramsey scored yet again as Arsenal managed to win their first Champions League group game of the season. That wasn't before Theo Walcott had volleyed home his first of the season. It was an excellent win in France as the Gunners got their European campaign off to a cracking start. Mesut Ozil played his first full 90 minutes in an Arsenal shirt and although not being in the game much showed moments of promise. Marseille had proved tough in the first half but the gaps opened up after the restart which allowed Arsenal to win 2-1 and go top of the group. Ramsey gave away a penalty late on but it was too little too late for the French side. The win also meant that the Gunners had extended their away record to 10 wins in a row - a new club record. There was just one change to the side that beat Sunderland as Mertesacker returned in place of Jenkinson. The bench was very inexperienced as Ryo got his European debut and the likes of Isaac Hayden and Chuba Akpom were both un-used subs.

Theo Walcott had a poor first half but managed to fire home the opener

It was Marseille that started the game more lively. Gignac found Valbuena who's curling effort forced Szczesny into making an early save.

Arsenal's first shot of the game came from Walcott as a long ball over the top found him but his effort was saved by Mandanda.

It was a nervy start from Arsenal as Marseille would then put on all the pressure. Ayew came desperately close with a header that bounced inches wide from Romao's cross.

The French side were having most of the ball in and around the Arsenal penalty area but they were failing to really trouble the defence.

Payet was proving to be a tricky customer and after Valbuena slipped him in on the byline his pull back had to be cleared away by Mertesacker to prevent a goal.

Gignac was then presented with a brilliant chance to break the deadlock near the end of the half but Szczesny pounced on the ball and then got a little lucky that he was allowed to collect it.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first chance of the second half was provided by Mesut Ozil as he burst into life with a back heel to set up Gibbs but it was saved.

Marseille then came close to grabbing a goal. The ball was floated over from the left hand side and then found Payet on the edge of the area but his low struck effort was well saved by Szczesny.

Minutes later Jack Wilshere had Arsenal's best chance of the night as Sagna picked him out at the back post but Mandanda was in the way to keep the score level.

On the hour mark Marseille thought they'd taken the lead. Payet's ball in was sliced towards his own net by Mertesacker but Gibbs managed to heroically clear the ball off the line to deny a certain goal.

Gibbs was to then have an even bigger impact. Wilshere played him in down the wing and then the left back's cross came off Morel and fell to Walcott who lashed the ball home for 1-0.

The hosts went in search of an equaliser as first Payet's driven shot was saved by Szczesny and then Valbuena fired over the bar.

The Gunners were to then make it 2-0 and seal the points. Aaron Ramsey surged forward and then struck a shot from the edge of the area that found the net via a deflection. That was the Welshman's sixth goal in seven games this season.

Into injury time and the goal scorer gave away a penalty. Ramsey brought down Andre Ayew and then his brother Jordan fired home for a consolation goal.

The final score finished Marseille 1-2 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Marseille: Mandanda, Fanni, N'Koulou, Lucas Mendes, Morel, Ramao, Imbula(79), Valbuena(90), Payet(73), A.Ayew, Gignac.
Subs: Samba, Mendy, Cheyrou, Lemina, J.Ayew(73), Thauvin(79), Khelifa(90).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini(90), Wilshere, Ramsey, Ozil, Walcott(78), Giroud.
Subs: Fabianski, Vermaelen, Hayden, Jenkinson, Monreal(78), Miyaichi(90), Akpom. 

My man of the match: Kieran Gibbs

Referee: Olegario Benquerenca (POR)
Attendance: 32,000

Flamini re-joins whilst Arsenal find out European Opponents

Yesterday was a busy day for Arsenal, we actually signed someone, allbeit on a free transfer. We also found out our Champions League group stage opponents.

I'll start off with the news of the club's latest recruit. French defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini has re-joined the club following his release from AC Milan. He had been training with the club over the past week and his determination and ambition sparked Wenger to make a move for him. Hardly a marquee signing but one that should provide good cover and competition for places. He has experience of playing in England before and already knows the club and Wenger. He had a troublesome time at Milan not really being able to show the talent he had produced at the Emirates. However he's back and is eager to make an impression once more. He fills the defensive midfield position we needed whilst he can also cover at full back which he showed in his first spell as a Gunner. With injuries all over the place he'll slot straight into the 18 man squad for Sunday's crucial game against North London Rivals Spurs. A game that'll be tough as ever considering their recent spending.

Onto the Champions League group stage draw. We've been alotted into group F, along with French side Marseille and runners up from last time out Borussia Dortmund. We also have Napoli who we played in the pre-season Emirates Cup. The draw could not have been tougher bar having PSG instead of Marseille. The draw has given another reason, if any more reasons were needed to be given, that the club needs to spend and get world class players in. The latest to be rumoured are the Real Madrid trio of Benzema, Ozil and Di Maria. Di Maria would be the most likely due to the imminent arrival of Gareth Bale in the Spanish capital. I can't really see all three joining though. Arsenal still have a keen interest in Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye but Wenger is reluctant to bid the £17m required. Young defensive midfielder Josuha Guilavogui, who plays for Saint-Etienne, is subject of an £8.5m bid should we not persue Cabaye any further.

The transfer window closes on Monday, but before that is the North London Derby. The next few days could determine our season despite being at such an early stage!

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 

Late Ramsey goal grabs crucial victory

Aaron Ramsey scored in injury time to ensure that Arsenal grabbed a crucial 1-0 victory over french side Marseille at the Stade Velodrome. The win made sure that Arsenal are now top of group F with 7 points and 3 games remaining in the group. It was another tense night for the Gunners as Marseille created little chances which meant Arsenal did not get the freedom they would have wished for going forward but Arsenal still managed to dominate most of the game as Jenkinson and Koscielny had a great game in defence. In the Arsenal lineup Arshavin came in for Gervinho whilst Rosicky kept his place ahead of Ramsey who was on the bench. Andre Santos also came in at left back for the injured Kieran Gibbs.

Ramsey scored a late goal to send Arsenal top of Group F

The first chance of the game came to the French side as Cheyrou picked up the ball and drove a shot from distance which cleared the cross bar and flew into the crowd.

Marseille could have had a penalty early on as Morel's cross looked to have been blocked by the arm of Carl Jenkinson but nothing was given however on another night may well have been. Ayew was booked for protesting against the decision.

The first chance of the game came someway into the first half as from an Arteta corner, Van Persie saw his header cleared off the line by Diawara. However when the ball came into the box Arsenal now had a strong claim for a penalty as the ball hit the hand of one of Diarra but once again the ref did not give a penalty.

Loic Remy managed to create the french sides first chance of the match as he got to the byline before going past Mertesacker and hitting a deflected shot off Jenkinson just wide of the far post.

Despite Arsenal having more of the possession it was Marseille that were having the first half chances as Lucho Gonzalez had a good chance to give them the lead. Valbuena playing in an early cross towards Lucho who as he stretched could only put his shot wide and Szczesny was again untroubled.

Arsenal were supplying most of their pressure from corners as they created another chance from Arteta's ball in as Van Persie picked up the ball but smashed his shot wide.

The score at half time was 0-0.

The first good chance of the second half fell to Arsenal and Theo Walcott. Walcott getting past N'Koulou before firing a shot but he slipped and Mandanda in the Marseille goal made an easy save from close range.

It was a second half of not many chances as the ball was contested mainly in midfield but when the ball went forward it was Arsenal on the attack. Their next chance fell to Van Persie as Gervinho played him but from a tight angle Mandanda saved the shot.

Then 2 minutes into stoppage time Arsenal took the lead through a goal from Aaron Ramsey. Djourou picking the ball up on the right hand side before delivering the ball. The ball then found its way over to Ramsey on the other side of the box who fired home past Mandanda and into the back of the net.

The final score ended Marseille 0-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Marseille: Mandanda, Azpilicueta, N'Koulou, Morel, Diawara, Diarra, Cheyrou(87), Lucho(73), Valbuena, Ayew, Remy(69).
Subs: Bracigliano, Traore, Sabo, Roland, Kabore(87), Amalfitano(73), Gignac(69).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson(62), Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos, Song, Rosicky, Arteta, Arshavin(78), Walcott(67), Van Persie. 
Subs: Fabianski, Djourou(62), Coquelin, Ramsey(78), Benayoun, Gervinho(67), Chamakh. 

My man of the match: Laurent Koscielny

Referee: Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Attendance: 24,534