WTTGT Writer: Amoy Ghoshal
Wojciech Szczesny – 6.0 – The Pole once again didn’t have much to do as the defence provided him good protection and Marseille looked less dangerous going forward as the game progressed. He did come out well off his line a couple of times when Marseille threatened to get behind the back four.
Carl Jenkinson – 6.0 – The teenager seems to be improving with every game as he looked solid defensively, making a vital block in the first half from Remy. In the second period too he didn’t make any mistakes at the back before being substituted due to injury. His final ball can still improve though.
Laurent Koscielny – 8.0 – **WTTGT Man of the Match** – He was our best player on the night as the French defender stayed focused throughout and made some important interceptions and clearances. Koscielny led the backline well and was instrumental in getting Arsenal their first away clean sheet in the Champions League since March 2008.
Per Mertesacker – 6.0 – The German’s aerial presence and anticipation was important in keeping the clean sheet but the former Werder Bremen defender will have to improve in one-on-one situations as he was badly exposed once each by Remy and Valbuena.
Andre Santos – 5.5 – He was a little unfortunate to get booked early in the first half but could have been easily shown the second yellow for a needless deliberate handball. Santos didn’t look troubled defensively but the Brazilian provided very little going forward.
Alexandre Song – 6.5 – The Cameroon international got booked very early for a clumsy challenge and walked a tight rope throughout the first half. But after the interval he played very intelligently in the middle of the park and provided good protection for the back four.
Mikel Arteta – 6.0 – His passing and distribution was once again not up to his high standards but Arteta worked extremely hard to win the ball back several times and helped out the already booked Song in the middle of the park.
Tomas Rosicky – 5.5 – It was a very difficult game for the Czech Republic captain as Alou Diarra played very well against him. Rosicky often looked to add pace to the Arsenal moves from midfield but wasn’t quite successful against a well organized Marseille outfit even when he was moved to the left wing.
Theo Walcott – 5.0 – Another poor display from the England international despite getting the start as he failed to provide any quality to his deliveries and was also guilty of wasting a golden opportunity just a few minutes before getting substituted.
Robin Van Persie – 6.0 – The Arsenal skipper was an isolated figure for much of the night as the Gunners struggled to create openings but the current Dutch Master at N5 did show his class in patches with his movement off the ball and even had a decent chance before Ramsey’s winner.
Andrey Arshavin – 5.0 – The Russian was given a start ahead of Gervinho but the former Zenit player was largely ineffective despite getting into one-on-one situations against both Marseille wingbacks. Was rightly substituted and should only be used an impact player if he doesn’t improve his form.
Subs
Johan Djourou – 6 .5 – Got booked for a two-footed challenge but vitally setup the winner with a dangerous looking cross from the right flank.
Gervinho – 6.5 – His introduction made a massive difference as his direct play started to open up Marseille in the closing stages. The Ivorian got the vital touch which allowed Djourou’s cross to reach an unmarked Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey – 7.5 – The young Welsh captain came on as late as in the 78th minute but still managed to net a priceless winner after gambling on making a run to the far post from midfield.
Video highlights
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