Arsenal Champions League Player Ratings Vs Partizan Belgrade:3-1:

Arsenal continued their unblemished European winning run for 2009/2010 with a scrappy, somewhat ugly win over Serbian kings Partizan Belgrade. The win comes as a relief after the Gunners succumbed to a shock 3-2 loss at the Emirates to newly promoted West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League last weekend.

Arsene Wenger had half an eye on the upcoming clash with League leaders and fierce rivals Chelsea, which prompted the Frenchman to rest several key players. It showed, with Arsenal looking lacklustre early on, as their goal was hounded by a slanted Belgrade attack due to some lethargic defending.

Despite the Steamrollers' early domination of possession, Arsenal took an early lead in the fifteenth minute through the much maligned Andrei Arshavin, who combined impressively with young gun Jack Wilshere in and around the area.

Wenger's men then began to find their rhythm with a number of chances created but were unable to benefit thanks to both poor finishing and strong keeping from Vladimir Stojkovic. The former Wigan shot stopper performed courageously, enabling his side to stay in the match.

However FK Partizan were then gifted a penalty seventeen minutes after Arshavin's strike. Samba star Denilson had been adjudged with a handball, which replays proved conclusive. Striker Cleo calmly slotted home past deputy keeper Lukasz Fabianski to equalize.

But that would loom as the last real bright spark of the night for Belgrade as towards and  after the break Arsenal continued to dominate with their attack. Marouane Chamakh was then brought down inside the area at the fifty-fifth minute mark, which resulted in the offending player Marko Jovanovic receiving a straight red.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, Andrei Arshavin was unable to again engrave his name on the score sheet as his weak effort was expertly saved by Stojkovic. Fortunately the extra man was a mouthwatering prospect for Arsenal as they began to regain their feet, and a well-worked move at the seventieth minute mark ensured Marouane Chamakh was able to header his side into the lead despite the gallant efforts of Stojkovic.

Sebastien Squillaci then scored the decisive goal twelve minutes later with a neatly placed header from a corner. FK Partizan did attempt to stage a late fight back, winning a second penalty, but like Arshavin, striker Cleo was unable to capitalize with the impressive Fabianski making a strong save.

The victory ensured the Gunners stay top of group H as well as reinstated some much-needed confidence ahead of the encounter with Chelsea.

Player Ratings

Lukasz Fabianski: 7. The Polish keeper had an enjoyable night, for once, occasionally making some neat saves, including one on a superb penalty shot. Hopefully a beneficial night for the 25 year old confidence-wise, as it appears likely Manuel Almunia's elbow injury may persist through next week's Chelsea game. 

Bacary Sagna: 6. The Frenchman was not at his best, but fortunately was not hounded by Partizan attack. Contributed credibly in attack, surging forward when necessary.

Sebastien Squillaci: 6.5. The former Seville defender looked susceptible to errors early on, but kept his head and grew as the game aged. Sealed the game with his first Arsenal goal. 

Johan Djourou: 5. Still not 100%. The imposing Swiss endured an unknown partnership with Squillaci and was often caught by pace as well as some poor control. Should return with experience.

Kieran Gibbs: 7.5. A tidy, impressive night from the Englishman despite conceding an irrelevant penalty. Defended strongly, showing solid physicality, and was a great asset in attack with a number of damaging runs and threatening crosses.

Alexandre Song: 6. Too wasteful in possession, with a host of passes going astray. Did control the midfield defensively but was too costly in attack.

Jack Wilshere: 8. The English teenage sensation continues to impress with every appearance. Was akin to Fabregas in attack, creating and controlling. Showed terrific balance and composure to assist Arshavin. Arsenal fans will be eager to see if Wenger dons Wilshere the responsibility of a start against Chelsea.

Denilson: 6.5. Heavily involved, usually for good impact. Was punished for a flailing arm that resulted in the penalty, but withstood the pressure and performed credibly.

Tomas Rosicky: 6.5. Drifted in and out of the encounter. Unlucky not to find the back of the net early on, and provided a great cross for Chamakh to take the lead.

Andrei Arshavin: 6.5. Yo-yo-like from the Russian. Moved expertly and was a consistent threat, but frankly was too wasteful on goal and in possession. A weak penalty somewhat marred a solid evening.

Marouane Chamakh: 7. Once again showed his ever-present work ethic as the lone striker. Heavily involved despite being clumsy on occasions, but once again provided the necessary physical presence that was needed and deservedly found the score sheet.

Substitutes

Samir Nasri: 6.5. The Frenchman was brought on late and injected spark into the attack. Provided the ball for Squillaci to score.

Carlos Vela: 6.5. The Mexican was threatening and composed on the ball.

Gael Clichy: N/A. An unwanted substitution that left fans furious at Wenger, who rejected the opportunity to give Henri Lansbury a memorable Champions League debut.