Nasri enjoyed a good match, scoring the opener.
[Photo: Getty Images through Telegraph]
After the troublesome visit to Sunderland last Saturday, the Gunners assured their qualification to the following phase of Europe's elite competition by winning against an insipid Belgian team. Whereas this step was considered granted, it was crucial for the aspirations of the title league. Restoring the confidence just before a massive clash against Chelsea on Sunday was as important as earning the win in Europe. Three points against the Blues on Sunday, will close the gap to a minimum. One of the most interesting parts of the season - the other beginning in March - is closing fast, with nearly seven games to be played between today and the break of the 19th of December.
Arshavin suffers from Gallas' header.
[Photo: Rob Noyes/Pinnacle through Daily Mail]
The start of Carlos Vela and Gibbs return were among the good surprises of the night. Vela's first start in the lead central striker role was a magnificent first test as Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner are out. Already in the second minute, Arshavin set Song who missed just, as the Liege keeper saved. Shots from Nasri, Cesc and Vela were all saved by Bolat. The tone of the match was set to be this way: Arsenal attacking while Liege, well... just defended.
Again Bolat, with all the luck of the world, kept his goal on zeroes, as Vermaelen hit Arshavin hit, Vela the wood work and Gallas the keeper. The hectic moments of the 22nd handed 104 passes and 69% of possession. As the match wore off a terrible incident occurred: Gallas headed Arshavin's head, making the latter bleed. Within three minutes Arshavin was ready but Gallas was still dizzy.
Nasri took the lead after Moulemo slipped. The definition by the French was clinical. Certainly taking advantage of this mistake in the commotion of strangers was of the utmost importance. Fortunately the match ended before anything worse happened. Shots from Cesc and Arshavin nearly tripled the lead.
It was thirty seconds before the break when Denilson shot a terrible screamer that went straight in Bolat's goal. Even though this result was an advantage for the Gunners' aspirations in Europe, the main fear between the supporters and viewers was for the health of the French centre-back and the Russian forward.
Denilson enjoys his goal in his first match after his back injury.
[Photo: Nick Potts/AP through Guardian]
Fortunately for Gallas' health, Silvestre came in. The rampages of Liege in Arsenal's box were hilarious since they could not even shot on target. The Gunners relied, again, on the prospect of possession. This proved to be handy indeed, as in the 60th minute the offensive efforts by Vela went wide. Theo Walcott came in in that same minute for Nasri; Arsenal's last substitution saw Tomas Rosicky coming in for Denilson.
As the match went stall, reaching the 71st minute there was a sense that the score could have gone to a 4-goal mark to say the least. Although many more attempts came from Arsenal's midfield, mainly orchestrated by Rosicky, neither was as clear as the main two attacks in the latter part of the first half. Whereas the Liege forwards made decent attempts, one in the woodwork in the 85th, the sights of the Londoners were put on the crucial Sunday match. What is a real point for concern was that n a final shot, Gibbs appeared to be resented.
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