Arsenal vs. Marseille: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

"

GOAL: Jack Wilshere curls home a superb strike to give The Gunners the lead inside one minute.

— Betfair Sportsbook (@Betfair) November 26, 2013"

There were in fact fewer than 60 seconds on the clock when Arsenal scored with their first meaningful attack, as Jack Wilshere curled an effort into the top corner after cutting in from the right side of the penalty area. Wilshere would add one more in the second half as Arsenal defeated Marseille 2-0 on Wednesday.

The rest of the first half was largely one-way traffic, as the Gunners sought to remain in control of the game and add to their scoreline. Olivier Giroud missed a great chance when he shot straight at Steve Mandanda from just four yards out.

Marseille's best chance of the opening half-hour fell to Andre-Pierre Gignac, but in attempting to round Wojciech Szczesny he lost control of the ball and the Polish keeper made a good stop.

There was precious little goalmouth action thereafter until Aaron Ramsey won a dubious penalty on 36 minutes, but Mesut Ozil saw the resulting spot-kick saved by Mandanda. Ozil's penalty was poorly placed, softly hit and easily pushed away by the keeper.

After the break, it was a 20-minute attack-vs.-defence session, as the Gunners sought to put the game beyond Marseille's reach but were constantly denied by a series of good saves from Mandanda and some poor decision-making by Giroud.

That came to an end with a sweeping move down the right flank that was finally put into the net for 2-0 by Wilshere, sliding in at the far post.

"

1 – Jack Wilshere’s two goal haul this evening is his first career double for Arsenal. Brace.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 26, 2013"

Nacho Monreal and Szczesny then combined to deny Florian Thauvin and clear his shot off the line in what was a rare second-half chance for the away side.

Arsenal saw out the game in comfort to pick up a deserved three points.

Manager Reaction

Arsene Wenger on almost qualifying, as per BBC Sport:

"

It's unbelievable but it's reality. It's tricky but we have to finish the job. I will have to play a full-strength team against Napoli. I can't take any risks. I have to rotate until the Napoli game without dropping points in the league.

"

Eli Baup, Marseille boss, on the Gunners, via Sky Sports:

"

Arsenal are an extremely strong side in these competitions. They are the best side in our group and are going to qualify. When you get to the last 16 and the quarter-finals, the teams are all very close together. However, this season Arsenal have an undeniable attacking quality.

"

Key Player Grades

Mesut Ozil: C

He seemed rather below his usual top levels, with poor control letting him down twice inside the penalty area when in good positions. His penalty was poorly struck and saved too.

Ozil simply didn't get involved in the game enough, and when he did link up with Giroud, his centre-forward let him down with some poor link-up play of his own.

He was involved in the second goal, but it was still far from a vintage performance.

Steve Mandanda: B

Marseille's best performer being a goalkeeper speaks volumes for their game plan and quality on the pitch. He made several important saves after the break to keep his team in the game until Wilshere's second goal, including a fine penalty stop.

Jack Wilshere: B+

Somewhat out of position on this right-hand side role that he occupied from the start, Wilshere nonetheless had a hugely telling impact on the game. His first strike was exactly what his manager would hope to see with more regularity from Wilshere, attacking aggressively and finishing with aplomb.

His all-round game was excellent, with plenty of one-touch passing, good movement and work rate.

Position	Player	Grade
SUBS
GK	Szczesny	B+
D	Sagna	B
D	Koscielny	C+
D	Mertesacker	B
D	Monreal	C+
M	Flamini	B
M	Ramsey	B+
M	Wilshere	B+
M	Ozil	C
M	Rosicky	C+
F	Giroud	C
M	Walcott	C
M	Cazorla	C
M	Arteta	C

Position	Player	Grade
Subs
GK	Mandanda	B
D	Abdallah	C
D	N'Koulou	C+
D	Mendes	C
D	Moresi	C
M	Lemina	D
M	Romao	D+
M	Imbula	C
F	Ayew	C+
F	Gignac	C+
F	Khalifa	C
F	Valbuena	C+
M	Thauvin	C+
M	Cheyrou	C

What's Next?

With this victory and Dortmund beating Napoli, Arsenal have still not quite qualified for the knockouts but are certainly looking good ahead of their final group stage clash in two weeks' time against the Italians.

Marseille will comfortably finish at the bottom of the group.

Follow @karlmatchett