After a frustrating first half, Arsenal managed to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League courtesy of Jack Wilshere’s first goal since 2010 and a stunning volley from Lukas Podolski. The thirteenth successive year of doing so under Arsene Wenger.

Wojciech Szczesny – 7 – Didn’t really have much to do but his presence his welcomed. One of his great strengths is the way he reads the game and he made some good interceptions tonight.

Bacary Sagna – 7 – Solid performance from the Frenchman. He managed to get forward a lot tonight and put in some decent crosses. Also didn’t fade as the game went on.

Per Mertesacker – 7 – Another good performance from the ever reliable BFG. Made some good interceptions and won the majority of his headers. Also went on an entertaining run in the first half which one Lionel Messi would have been proud of.

Laurent Koscielny – 8 – After a couple of shaky performances earlier in the season it can be safe to say that he is back to his former self. Crunching in the tackle and his pace is vital when tracking back. I love his bursts forward when the team need to show a bit more urgency. He looks so composed alongside Mertesacker I certainly wouldn’t be changing anything at the moment.

Thomas Vermaelen – 7 – Improved performance from the captain. He looks to have settled in the left back role however this coincides with the imminent return of the excellent Kieran Gibbs. He got forward a lot more tonight and put in some good crosses. However, he doesn’t look his ruthless self since gaining the captaincy.

Mikel Arteta – 7 – Solid performance from the Spaniard. His passing was crisp and he made some good tackles. Reliable as always.

Jack Wilshere – 8 – He improves game by game as he searches for full match fitness. After a few misplaced passes in the first half, he vastly improved in the second, even managing to get on the score sheet for the first time since 2010 with a cute chip over the keeper. Future captain.

Santi Cazorla – 7 – Not as electrifying as he was at the weekend vs Spuds but still had a good game. I still find his close control amazing to watch as he manages to wriggle his way out of improbable situations. I expect him to have a big game vs Villa on Saturday.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6.5 – He made some excellent runs tonight, charging his way through at times. However, his final ball was poor a few times and was out of the game for large parts in the second half. I’m a big fan and I have no doubt that he will push on and be a key player for us.

Olivier Giroud – 8 – As poor a first half as he had, he never stopped running. His determination to fight for the team is commendable. Regardless of not getting on the score sheet, he got two nice assists against his former club. Flop? Phhhh...

Lukas Podolski – 7.5 – I’m giving him a slightly higher than average rating due to the fact he scored an absolutely stunning volley. He made lots of good runs in the first half but couldn’t be found. However, I felt that he was more involved tonight which is good to see. Also, he didn’t get substituted!

SUBS

Aaron Ramsey – 6.5 – looked bright when he was brought on for Oxlade-Chamberlain. He managed to beat his man on several occasions and threaded a really nice ball through to Cazorla, creating a chance.

Francis Coquelin – n/a – on for less than 5 minutes so can’t give a rating.

Gervinho – n/a - on for less than 5 minutes so can’t give a rating.

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