We had to contend with an early change however when the unfortunate Kieran Gibbs turned his ankle in the 15th minute and had to go off.
In the 26th minute finally, we made a breakthrough when Partizan skipper, Mladen Kratsjic upended Van Persie in the box. The Dutchman rose to bury the penalty and record his first goal since May. Against the run of play, Cleo scored a surprise equalizer for the visitors in the 52nd minute and once again, we managed to make life difficult for ourselves.
It was a night when we were not to be denied however as Theo Walcott came on for the disinterested Andrei Arshavin, and scored his first goal in almost two months with a fine volley in the 73rd minute. Four minutes later, the irrepressible Nasri sealed the game with a fine shot from the edge of the box after being fed by Song.
Things turned sour one more time for us as Bacary Sagna was redcarded in the 85th minute for a last-ditch tackle on Alexander Laveski. We resisted with ten men though to see out the game and finally, finally book our passage to the knock-out stage, next February.
You always got the impression that we were playing with the brakes on last night. It was to be expected, considering our trip to Old Trafford on Monday night in a top-of-the-bill showdown with bitter rivals, Manchester United.
The goal we conceded notwithstanding, it was a fitting end to our European campaign for the year, while we await bigger fish to fry next year and in the meantime, focus on domestic matters.
For making it out of the group stages for the eleventh consecutive time, we can’t be that bad really. Not even the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea or even Real Madrid can boast such consistency.
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| Back among the goals..Walcott celebrates his sweet volley |
• Fabianski (7/10) – Was reduced to dealing with only backpasses as a measure of the paucity of the visitors’ attack, until the 52nd minute when Cleo broke away to rifle a shot that deflected off Squillaci’s outstretched leg and sail over him. Nothing he could do about the goal, but he redeemed himself considerably when he stopped a fierce freekick from Kratsjic in the 86th minute consequent upon Sagna’s sending-off. With a cloud hanging over Manuel Almunia’s return to the team, Fabianski looks to have sewn up the number one shirt in the nearest future.
• Sagna (7/10) – Was his usual no-nonsense self and dealt with all that came down his flank in the form of Partizan attack. Roamed forward a lot though and linked well with Nasri and later Walcott. Unfortunate to be sent off in the 86th minute for a challenge on Laveski but will be back for the big game against Manchester United, Monday night.
• Squillaci (6/10) – He was the weak link in the defence. Was caught out severally by the duo of Cleo and Partizan’s West African, Medo. Gave Cleo the space he needed to shoot for their equalizer and looked out of his depth for most of the game. Methinks he’s exhausted from the unexpected amount of games he’s been forced to play since arriving in August. Looks like he’ll benefit from a breather.
• Koscielny (7/10) – Was surprised to see him return so soon after that head collision four days ago against Fulham. Did well though on the night and proved to be a tough customer. He is still our most-rugged defender after Thomas Vermaelen as he never shies away from knocks. Nipped a lot of balls that could have been a danger and covered lots of ground as well.
• Gibbs (5/10) – The young Englishman fell to the curse of injury – yet again. He lasted only 15minutes before a twisted ankle ended his night. Returned to the pitch to try to run it off, but eventually had to be substituted as he continually hobbled around.
• Denilson (6/10) – The Brazilian started in place of the rested Jack Wilshire and battled hard in the middle to assert himself. Guilty of misplaced passes on several occasions but he did his defensive duties well and snapped into tackles all night. Helped to screen the defence with his endless running and link-up play with those around him. Did better than in many of his erstwhile games for us.
• Song (6/10) – A rather quiet night for the Camerounian. He still threw himself around alot though and never allowed the Partizan midfield of Medo, Jovanovic and Laveski to settle. Had a sniff of goal in the second half when he collected a ball in the visitor’s box. After swivelling away from his markers, he attempted to curl the ball in off the far post, with options waiting around him.After three goals to his name this season already, he surely fancies his chances of getting more now. It was not to be on the night though but he still provided the assist for Nasri's goal.
• Arshavin (5/10) – Back to his bad habits. Didn’t inspire anything and though he tried to initiate some runs from his left flank, he ended up in cul-de-sacs. Didn’t look interested at all and after some fine performances over the past two games, he seemed to have fallen back to his old, lazy ways. Was the first to be substituted – not counting the injured Gibbs – not surprisingly.
• Nasri (8/10) – He is indeed a man transformed. Oozed confidence all night as he took on defenders at will and ran rings round them from all over the pitch. Gets in behind defenders easily now and last night was no different. He has emerged as a huge outlet of our attacks and has become very influential in the team, especially with the sporadic appearances of captain Cesc Fabregas. His goal in the second half was deserved after all the running and passing he was involved in on the night. For us to win anything this season, we need Nasri to remain in the blistering form he has found. Twelve goals so far this season makes him our highest goalscorer and for a midfielder, it is quite a statement.
• Van Persie (7/10) – After being out for so long, the Dutchman was due a full game and he got it last night. Completed his first 90 minutes in ages and was handed the captain’s band to lead the troops. Scored from the spot to send us on our way and did well for the rest of the game. He’s still finding his form and that will obviously take time. His presence on the pitch though encouraged Wenger to opt for a two-man attack and take some pressure off the hardworking Chamakh. Hoping Van Persie stays injury-free, as we head into a crucial time of the season.
• Chamakh (6/10) – Like Squillaci, he also looks jaded. Considering the frenetic start he’s had to both his Arsenal career and the season, his tired legs can be understood. Wasn’t at full pelt on the night and apart form a misdirect header in the first half, off a Bacary Sagna cross, he was largely anonymous. Wasn’t a surprise at all when he was eventually substituted.
Substitutes
• Eboue (7/10) – Came on very early in the 18th minute for the luckless Gibbs and as the only defender on the bench, had to improvise in the left full back position. Did well considering he was playing out of position and wasn’t disgraced at all. Resisted very well and stopped all that came his way. One of his better games for us in a while.
• Walcott (7/10) – Replaced the anonymous Arshavin and immediately put life into out attack. Took on the Partizan defence with his trademark pace and eventually scored a fine goal which restored our lead in the 73rd minute and brought belief back into the side. He needs games like Van Persie to rediscover his sharpness but may have to continue to contend with time on the bench.
• Bendtner (5/10) – Replaced Chamakh as Wenger clearly sought to rest the Moroccan ahead of the Manchester game. Was involved in the build up to the Nasri goal and helped trouble the Partizan defence.
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