MATCH REPORT: MARSEILLE 1-2 ARSENAL

Arsenal secured an imperative victory against Marseille in their opener of the Champions League Group F on Wednesday.

And with it, The Gunners set their sight on a 10^th consecutive away victory.

The adventure started with the victory over the Champions League winners Bayern Munich back in March on the night of their exit from the Champions League last season. Followed by the wins at 

1.  13^th March beat Bayern Munich 2-0 (UCL)

2.  16^th March beat Swansea 2-0

3.  6^th April beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1

4.  20^th April beat Fulham 1-0

5.  4^th May beat QPR 1-0

6.  19^th May beat Newcastle 1-0

7. 21^st August beat Fenerbache 3-0 (UCL) 

8. 24^th August beat Fulham 3-1

9.  14^th September beat Sunderland 3-1

10. 18 September beat Marseille 2-1 (UCL).

Of course, a run like this is not build on skills and sweat alone but the desire and mentality are also needed. Last Night Arsenal withstood major Marseille pressure in the first half before Theo Walcott’s harsh volley broke the deadlock and Aaron Ramsey shot secured 3 points for the Gunners, Jordan Ayew (Marseille) scored from the penalty spot which was the last kick of the game.

Arsenal showed a single change from the one that had secured a 3-1 win against Sunderland on Saturday, Per Mertesacker had recovered from illness and returned to the centre of defence, while Bacary Sagna moved to right back and Carl Jenkinson  was benched.

Marseille fans created a lot of noise as the teams came out and the opening stage seems to be inspired by the atmosphere. Andre-Pierre Gignac’s brush and Mathieu Valbuena’s curler forced Wojciech Szczesny into action in the first two minutes.
Then Arsenal went straight down the other end and Mesut Ozil picked out Walcott at the far post. His header was booted away from the danger area. The England winger then had a tumbling shot saved by keeper Steve Mandanda.
It was even and open but gradually Marseille would begin to apply concerted pressure on the Arsenal goal. It started with Gignac and Valbuena pot-shotting well wide of the target.
Gradually, Arsenal recovered their poise and pushed back. Ramsey had a goal-bound shot deflected away and Mertesacker might have had a penalty when he was kicked in the head as his tried to reach Walcott’s corner.
It was perhaps the clearest chance of the game. But Arsenal would respond with one that matched it. In the 52nd minute Gibbs darted forward, flicked the ball to Ozil and surged forwad for the return. The German’s stunning backheel allowed the full back to prod powerfully at goal but Mandanda plucked the ball of the air.
Two minutes later Morel’s raking cross ball was met powerfully by Ayew. Szczesny got down well to save at his near post.
In the end, it was for Arsenal. Gibbs’ regulation cross into the area was mistakenly headed into the air by a stooping Morel. It fell nicely for Walcott to lash a volley high into the net.
Payet tested Szczesny from distance again as Marseille looked for the equaliser. Then, after Giroud’s header had gone within inches of extending the visitors’ lead, Valbuena fired just over the bar. The diminutive midfielder was Marseille’s outstanding contributor on the night.
Ramsey’s strode forward and fired home to end the argument six minutes from time.
At the death, the Welshman was adjudged to have tripped Andre Ayew and his brother scored from spot.