The Champions League awaits for the 16th season, as Arsenal brushed aside Fenerbahce in the 2nd leg. A routine way to start what will be a huge week for the Gunners.
Wojciech Szczesny - 7 – He flapped at a set-piece in the first-half, but offset that mistake with two fine saves. Still needs to watch his propensity to rush from his goal, but overall gave a solid display.
Carl Jenkinson – 7 – He defended well down his right-hand side, and also provided a couple of fine crosses into the box. Go forward well in the game's latter stages, and was unlucky not to score his first goal for the club.
Bacary Sagna – 7 – While nominally a right-back, Sagna has deputised for Laurent Koscielny with the minimum of fuss. He made a couple of important tackles, covering Per Mertesacker whenever needed.
Per Mertesacker – 7 – Typically calm display from the German. His positioning allowed him to clear a series of crosses when Fenerbahce tried to put pressure on Arsenal in the first-half. Will likely be given a tougher test on Sunday against Tottenham.
Nacho Monreal - 7 – He began sluggishly, but you must remember that it was his first start of the season. Improved as the match progressed, and was often a threat going forward, creating a chance for Olivier Giroud that the Frenchman should have scored from.
Jack Wilshere – 7 – An incisive performance from Wilshere. He passed well, and was often a threat when dribbling at the Turkish side. However, the opposition's propensity to target Wilshere's fragile ankles continues, as Fenerbahce attempted to kick him out of the game in the closing minutes.
Aaron Ramsey – 8 – While doing good defensive, deputising for Mikel Arteta, I've always thought Ramsey works best as a box-to-box midfielder. Tonight, he showed his attacking quality, getting in the penalty area to score both goals, with the second being a finish of high quality.
Santi Cazorla – 8 – Cazorla was a coruscating box of tricks, particularly in the first-half. Most of Arsenal's most dangerous moments came from the lively Spaniard. Is playing well, despite probably being short of 100% fitness, and will be a key factor in the North London derby.
Theo Walcott – 6 – Not his most productive night, but his pace was a constant worry for the Fenerbahce left-back, Caner Erkin. Also hit the bar with a free-kick in the second-half.
Olivier Giroud - 6 – His physical presence made life awkward for the Fenerbahce centre-halves, but wasn't always sharp in his decision making, and missed a great chance in the first-half. He will need to be more ruthless against Tottenham on Sunday.
Lukas Podolski – 6 – Played a key role in the first goal, and seemed on the verge of grabbing a goal of his own. However, he suffered a hamstring injury early in the second-half, and will probably be absent for 3 weeks.
SUBS
Ryo Miyaichi – n/a - His delivery was hit & miss from the right-hand side. But was a willing outlet.
Yaya Sanogo – n/a – The Frenchman looks very raw, but played a part in the second goal.
Kieran Gibbs – 7 – Came on for Podolski, and enjoyed the freedom of playing in an attacking position. Gave a nice assist for Ramsey's second goal.
Three wins against mediocre opposition is just what Arsenal needed after that damaging opening day loss to Aston Villa. However, Sunday afternoon will be no walk in the park. Arsenal will need their best performance of the season to get a positive result against Tottenham. Anything less, and the questions around Arsene Wenger will rear their head again.
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