Match Review: Marseille 1 Arsenal 2 - Champions League 17.9.13
Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey's second half goals ensured Arsenal achieved a club record 10 consecutive away wins, as Arsenal edged past Marseille at the Stade Velodrome.
Aaron Ramsey continued his fine form scoring 6 minuites from time collecting a cross from Kieran Gibbs which the Welshman fired home. Theo Walcott opened the scoring capitalising on a defensive error and volleying in midway through the second half.
In stoppage time Aaron Ramsey brought down Andre Ayew in the penalty box. Brother Jordan Ayew took the penalty and sent goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way. Marseille contolled the game for long periods but were unable to take their chances. Despite giving away the penalty, which looked unfair, Aaron Ramsey had another strong game we fancy him to continue on this upward curve.
The chance of the game fell to Marseille full-back Rod Fanni who shot just wide of Szczesney's post. Just before Theo Walcott's goal a miskick from defender Per Mertesacker forced Kieran Gibbs into making a goal-line clearance to deny Marseille the opener. Matheiu Valbuena was the most creative player for the hosts spraying balls all over the park and twice went close himself but couldn't find the back of the net.
Arsenal's win is their 6 consecutive win in a row since their opening day defeat to Aston Villa at the Emirates.
Meanwhile in Group F Napoli beat runners up Borussia Dortmund 2-1 with BVB keeper Roman Weidenfeller being sent off and manager Jurgen Klopp being sent to the stands.
Arsenal's win puts them 1st in the group and drops Marseille down to 4th and out of the qualifying positions. Next time out in the Champions League Arsenal face Napoli at the Emirates while Marseille travel to Borussia Dortmund.
Teams
Marseille (4-2-3-1)
Mandanda, Fanni, N'Koulou■, Mendes, Morel, Romao, Imbula (Thauvin 79'), Payet (J Ayew 73'), Valbuena, Ayew, Gignac
Subs
Samba, Mendy, Cheyrou, Lemina, Ayew, Thauvin
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Ramsey■, Flamini (Miyachi 90'), Özil, Wilshere, Walcott (Monreal 78'), Giroud
Subs
Fabianski, Vermaelen, Jenkinson, Monreal, Miyachi, Akpom, Hayden
Ratings
| Szczesny | 7/10 | Not troubled much but made important stops when needed |
| Sagna | 6/10 | Defended well but unable to get forward often |
| Mertesacker | 6/10 | Mostly solid despite a defensive mix up that almost led to a goal |
| Koscielny | 6/10 | Not his best night and struggled in the air |
| Gibbs | 8/10 | Depsite a tame first half was the best defender in the pitch |
| Ramsey | 8/10 | Had to sit back to contain Marseille but got forward well for his goal |
| Flamini | 7/10 | Did a good job in protecting his back four |
| Özil | 7/10 | Never saw much of the ball but looked good when he had it |
| Walcott | 7/10 | Tapered off after a good start but scored the decisive goal |
| Giroud | 7/10 | Put in a good shift but struggled with little to no service |
| Wilshere | 6/10 | Rarely seen and struggled to get into the game |
| Subs | ||
| Miyachi | N/A | |
| Monreal | 6/10 | Helped shore up the left flank |
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