Arsenal vs. Marseille

2-0, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 26 November 2013
Wilshere 1, 65

This game was more or less a "must-win" if we were to have any hope of qualifying, and fortunately there was never any doubt as to whether we would make it or not!

Not even 30 seconds into the game, but 29 seconds, we had our lead. Jack Wilshere was released down the right-hand side, made his way into the box, got past the defender with a quick turn and put the ball into the back of the net with an exquisite shot! Simply just stunning and it left us feeling quite comfortable for the remainder of the game! We almost increased the lead a few minutes later, though, as Giroud passed the ball to Wilshere, who played it in for Ramsey in the middle of the box to finish the move off, but the 'keeper pulled off an amazing save.
   Szczesny had to showcase some of his goalkeeping skills, even though we were, indeed, quite comfortably in control of the game. The Polish 'keeper prevented Gignac from getting an opportunity to score by making a quick and early interception.
   Towards the end of the half we were awarded with a penalty, unfortunately it was a wrong decision from the referee, since Ramsey was just outside of the 18-yard-box when he was brought down while making a neat and quick turn. Maybe it was fair, then, that Özil's penalty was saved by the 'keeper. However, it was a remarkably poor penalty, lacking in pace and placing.

In the second half we continued stacking up chances, Giroud had a shot deflected inches wide of the post while Özil got in a brilliant position to score, but the 'keeper made the save. Giroud then had another chance as a high ball into the box ended up behind him and he had to make a quick turn, unfortunately it was not quick enough as the 'keeper got to it right before him.
   Two minutes later, however, we did score. And once again it was a certain young Englishman who did the deed. Ramsey provided an excellent pass to Özil, matching the German's run into the box, who passed it on to Jack Wilshere, who finished the move off with a confident strike!
   Marseille did create a couple of more chances, though, before the end of the game. Monreal had to clear the ball off the line with fifteen minutes to go and mere minutes later Szczesny pulled off an amazing save, getting down fast to keep the ball clear of the line.

These three, vital points takes us one step closer to qualification, with only one more game to go!