Boss and Andre Santos face the media before Marseille game
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Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.
Full Time THERE'S THE FINAL WHISTLE! Arsenal leap to the top of Group F with a brilliant three points in Marseille. It was by no means the prettiest of victories, but they've done it. A huge confidence boost for the Gunners.
90
WHAT AN IMPACT FROM RAMSEY! The midfielder collects the ball on the left side of the penalty box, cuts inside and slides the ball past Mandanda for the match winner. You have to say Marseille have deserved nothing from this game.
Top Comments:
_GunnerBoy_ on Twitter says:
Had tears in my eyes watching Ramsey break his leg. Today he has done me proud!! Tears of joy. Thank you "The Aaron Ramsey".
90
GOAL! - Aaron Ramsey 0 : 1 YES! THEY'VE DONE IT! ARSENAL WILL TAKE HOME THE POINTS TONIGHT!
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THREE MINUTES ADDED ON: Can Arsenal take home all the points? There isn't too much time left to do it...
90
LATE CHANCE FOR ARSENAL! Gervinho plays an elegant ball through to Van Persie but the striker's shot on the angle is saved by Mandandan. The keeper has been excellent tonight for Marseille.
89
RAMSEY TRIES TO FIRE ONE IN: There's bodies in the box for Arsenal but the midfielder can only put his cross to a Marseille man.
88
RAMSEY ALMOST CATCHES DIAWARA OUT: The Welshman races forward to try and intercept a wayward pass in defence but can't quite get there before the defender clears.
87
Substitution MARSEILLE SHORING UP: On comes Kabore to replace Benoit Cheyrou.
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Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke will be taking your calls. And, of course, you can get involved as ever using the #ArsenalLive hashtag on Twitter.
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REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle to have your say in our Matchday Show! CALL +44 (0) 207 607 3200 or E-MAIL studio@arsenal.co.uk
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Yellow Card GIGNAC TALKS HIMSELF INTO THE BOOK: And that will be Marseille's fourth yellow card of the night.
83
KOSCIELNY STEPS IN: The Frenchman has been a class act this evening and proves his credentials once more to step in and avert looming danger.
Top Comments:
Kajynnep on Twitter says:
Koscielny has been mega tonight. Looked composed, read the play well at times & looked strong in the air.
82
MARSEILLE HAVE DISAPPOINTED: They've barely been in this game during the second half. Has it been a ploy to use that counter attack? If it was, it hasn't looked too much like working.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
It’s been very slow tonight. Arsenal have been playing in second gear because they haven’t had to go into third or fourth
80
OLYMPIACOS EXTEND THEIR LEAD: It's now 3-1 to the Greek side as Francois Modesto hits a third goal. Things aren't looking too good for Dortmund in the group so far.
79
ALL THREE SUBS ARE ON: Wenger has looked for his aces in the pack - now it's time to see what they can do. It's been a frustrating match so far, but it only takes a second to score. I am reliably informed, anyhow...
Top Comments:
DickensOlewe on Twitter says:
Mertesacker is the man of the match for me and that tells a lot about the tempo of the game
78
Substitution RAMSEY'S ON: Can the Welsh midfielder produce some sparkle? Arshavin departs.
Top Comments:
Gerv4Head on Twitter says:
Good sub, Arshavin looked a bit spent, but I was happy with his performance.
78
PLENTY OF POSSESSION: But a lack of cutting edge. Typified by Arshavin's poor cross which doesn't even make it to the goalkeeper.
76
WILL WE SEE A WINNER? At the moment it doesn't look that way. But, as we know, anything can happen. This result would certainly not be the worst for Arsenal provided they win on home soil against the French side.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal will be disappointed to not end up with three points – I have not been impressed by Marseille at all and Arsenal have been the better side in the second half.
74
Yellow Card POOR DECISION: Djourou wins the ball fairly but is adjudged to have followed through. What's worse is a booking for his troubles, which seems incredibly harsh. You can't get away with much in Europe.
Top Comments:
AbdallaTaryam on Twitter says:
I'm convinced that the ref in this game has problems with his vision. Nothing wrong with that Djourou challenge!
73
Substitution AMALFITANO COMES ON: It's the Argentine international Lucho Gonzalez who will make way.
71
IT'S A CAT AND MOUSE CHASE: But who is the cat and who is the mouse? Neither side can take a foothold with the ball at their feet. This game needs a moment of magic from somewhere.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
It’s been a strange one. Nobody has really busted a gut to try and score. You wonder if really side wants to win it.
JasonFlexDeejay on Twitter says:
I know a draw away is a good result but we need to be winning games like this.
69
Substitution REMY COMES OFF: It's a like-for-like replacement, with fellow French international Gignac entering the fray.
68
ALMOST ONSIDE FOR VAN PERSIE: The striker latches onto a smart ball from midfield but is flagged for offside.
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Substitution ON COMES GERVINHO: Walcott is the man to make way here with just over 20 minutes to go.
Top Comments:
WisdomUnited on Twitter says:
Gervinho has more cutting edge in the box, he will be involved in Arsenal's winning goal! You've heard it here first
66
VAN PERSIE ALMOST IN: Arshavin almost plays in the striker before the captain is stopped prematurely.
64
REAL CHANCE FOR WALCOTT: The England man bustles his way into a one-on-one position with Mandanda, but his stretching effort is saved by the feet of the goalkeeper. Arsenal's best sight of goal.
Top Comments:
Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
That was the opportunity we have been waiting for! Theo should have scored.
62
Substitution DJOUROU COMES ON: It's the end of the night for Jenkinson who is forced off through injury. He's looked composed, assured and impressive all game.
61
SMOOTH BUILD-UP FROM ARSENAL: It's a first sight on goal for Van Persie as the ball is worked to him excellently by Song. But the eventual effort is weak from the Dutchman and Mandanda saves comfortably.
59
ALEX ON SONG: Replays show Song doing brilliantly with an outstretched challenge in that melee. Fine work from the midfield enforcer.
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PANIC IN THE BOX! A really dangerous moment for Arsenal but they manage to clear - eventually. Remy's ball into the box caused all sorts of problems, but together the Gunners backline stood firm.
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JENKINSON SHOULD HAVE LOOKED FOR WALCOTT: Theo makes a superb run down the middle but the young full-back can't quite get his pass away in time. Still looking positive for Arsenal.
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MERTESACKER HEADS CLEAR: The German does well to use his giant frame and head away, but it matters little as the offside flag is raised.
Top Comments:
Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
Two good plays from Mertesacker in the last few minutes has me encouraged
JjeffPatterson on Twitter says:
Mertesacker looking confident. Clearing his lines with purpose. As a good centerback does.
54
ARTETA CONCEDES THE FREE-KICK: It's harsh as Ayew clearly buys it, but nevertheless Marseille have a set-piece in a dangerous position.
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SANTOS BOMBS FORWARD: The Brazilian does excellently to intercept a loose ball in the Gunners half, but races forward to find only Van Persie alongside him.
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PATIENCE FROM ARSENAL: You wouldn't have thought they were the away side this half. All the possession is in the Marseille half as Arsenal look for the opener.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
You really would expect Marseille to push on at home right now. A home draw is not what you'd want at this stage
50
VAN PERSIE AIMS FOR MERTESACKER: The big German is the target from this free-kick, but the Marseille defence do well to clear.
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SANTOS' BALL IS POOR: It doesn't beat the first man but Arsenal press on from the clearance. The ball is worked wide but Mandanda holds onto Jenkinson's eventual cross.
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Yellow Card ARSHAVIN FOULED: The Russian stretches his legs for what feels like the first time in the match and is stopped in his tracks unfairly by Diawara. That'll be a yellow card.
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PLENTY OF WEAPONS ON THE BENCH: If things stay as they are, Wenger has the likes of Ramsey, Benayoun and Gervinho to call upon of course.
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WE'RE BACK UNDERWAY: With Arsene Wenger's words ringing in their ears, can Arsenal go out and get a win here in Marseille?
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
A little more quality in the final third and a few more shots on goal and I think Arsenal can sneak a result.
Half Time HALF-TIME: 0-0. The scoreline may read no goals but it's been far from dull in Marseille. A positive half for Arsenal, they've enjoyed more than their fair share of pressure.
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
The one sign of encouragement for Arsene Wenger from the first half is that Theo Walcott is so much quicker than the Marseille left back. Unfortunately his final ball has been off tonight
45
SANTOS ESCAPES AGAIN: The left back surely won't be left on the field one way or another at this rate. He's already on a booking, and handles this time without punishment.
Top Comments:
LadyArse on Twitter says:
Santos is walking the proverbial tightrope.
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OLYMPIACOS BACK AHEAD: It's approaching half-time in Greece and Olympiacos have re-taken the lead through Rafik Djebbour.
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ARTEA ON DUTY AT THE BACK: Arsenal have defended as unit so far tonight and the midfielder is no exception as he wins a goal-kick for his team.
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VAN PERSIE FIRES WIDE: It's well wide, to be fair. The captain tries to latch onto Mandanda's parry but skews an awkward effort off target.
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JENKINSON WINS ANOTHER CORNER: It's hard to argue a better player for Arsenal this half. He's got forward and has - for the most part - looked assured at the back.
Top Comments:
derwowski on Twitter says:
Jenkinson has had a cracking half. Full of running and positive runs forward. You can see his progress every game.
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BRILLIANT RECOVERY FROM ROSICKY: The experienced midfielder gives the ball away cheaply in the middle of the park but rushes back with a fine challenge to win possession once more for his team.
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SANTOS MUST BE CAREFUL: Down goes Valbuena again. The boss has spoken previously about disclipline - Arsenal need 11 men on the pitch tonight.
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BATTLE OF THE DEFENCES: N'Koulou keeps out Walcott's attempted cross. Neither side showing any signs of letting up at the moment.
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LUCHO GONZALEZ SHOULD DO BETTER! And if he does there's a big chance of a goal. Valbuena whips in a delightful-looking ball but Gonzalez can't get enough contact to divert towards goal. Probably the best chance of the game.
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BRILLIANT FROM KOSCIELNY: The centre-back does superbly to stop a determined Remy inside the box with a fine challenge.
Top Comments:
WonderGunner on Twitter says:
What a brilliant interception from Koscielny. I think its safe to say he's our most consistent defender atm
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MANDANDA HOLDS ON: The keeper does well once more to rise highest and pluck the ball out of reach of Mertesacker.
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ARTETA WITH A LOVELY PASS: The Spaniard picks out the marauding Santos, who wins a corner for Arsenal.
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DANGER CLEARED: The ball is cleared, Marseille try again but Van Persie is there on defensive duty to usher out Valbuena.
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REMY GOES CLOSE: It's great skill from the striker who nutmegs Mertesacker but can't get past the boot of Jenkinson. It's a corner.
28
DORTMUND ARE LEVEL: It's one apiece in Greece - Robert Lewandowski with the goal for the German outfit.
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CLEARED TO SAFETY: It's the commentator's nightmare Azpilicueta with the solid header away this time.
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WALCOTT WINS A CORNER: It's a cross aimed in at the far post - but it's prevented for another set-piece.
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VAN PERSIE THREATENS: At the other end the ball is worked to the captain, whose eventual cross forces the Marseille backline to work.
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MERTESACKER HALTS AYEW: The Ghanaian threatens with a run through the middle but the outstretched leg of the German stops him firmly in his tracks.
Top Comments:
kkollyy on Twitter says:
Our defensive organisation is good so far. Hoping we keeep it all through
23
SHOULD ARSENAL HAVE HAD A PENALTY?! Replays show they had a very strong shout for one. The build-up to Van Persie's cleared header hit a Marseille arm inside the box. The French side very lucky to get away with that one.
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BRIGHT START FROM ARSENAL: Arsene Wenger will be relatively pleased with what he has seen so far. His side have largely controlled possession and put Mandanda under pressure from set-pieces.
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MANDANA THERE AGAIN: It's the biggest clearance of the lot as the Frenchman punches to the halfway line.
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OFF THE LINE: Mertesacker leaps, Van Persie heads on the German's win but sees his effort nodded off the line for another corner.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal need to cash in on this indecision by the Marseille defenders
20
MANDANDA PUNCHES CLEAR: It's another set-pice from Arteta but the keeper punches away. Arsenal have another corner, however.
19
OLYMPIACOS LEADING: The Greek side are currently 1-0 up at home to Borussia Dortmund.
18
HELD BY MANDANDA: The keeper leaps highest and grabs the ball to avoid danger.
17
JENKINSON WINS A CORNER: The youngster floats in a ball into the box and the defender's clearance is wayward.
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Yellow Card SANTOS GOES IN THE BOOK: It's a little harsh, but also a little silly from Santos. He trips Valbuena and sees yellow. This referee clearly not in the mood for mercy tonight.
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NO FANS IN ONE STAND: Thankfully for Jenkinson it's the one closest to him. The Stade Velodrome being redeveloped for Euro 2016 in France...
14
Yellow Card AYEW BOOKED FOR DISSENT: He wanted a penalty! And he had a huge case for one. Jenkinson handled in the area and got away with it.
13
DON'T DAWDLE ANDRE! The Brazilian left back twice tries to be too casual at the back and ends up conceding a throw-in.
12
CHEYROU TRIES ONE: The younger brother of former Liverpool man Bruno attempts a speculative volley from range which drops safely over the bar.
10
LOVELY BALL FROM THEO: The winger whips in a delightful ball for Van Persie, but the striker is flagged offside. Encouraging stuff.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
It was a great ball by Walcott, good position and good cross. They have to get the ball to him as much as they can
9
FAST-PACED OPENING: Many predicted a cagey fixture here, but neither side are showing that so far. Plenty of the ball in midfield for both sides, but no openings as such just yet.
7
LACK OF COMMUNICATION: It could have proved costly. Koscielny and Szczesny almost endure the embarrassment of miscommunication but the ball ends up with the Polish keeper.
6
JENKINSON LIVELY: The 19-year-old is getting forward a lot in these early stages and has already won several throw-ins for his side. Bright start.
5
SZCZESNY IN POSITION: Valbuena tries the shot from the resulting set-piece but Szczesny holds on comfortably.
4
Yellow Card AN EARLY YELLOW: Song brings down Loic Remmy rather cynically and picks up a booking for his troubles. Free-kick in a good position for Marseille.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Song was lucky he wasn’t five or ten yards deeper. He would have been last man and could have been sent off
3
SONG SEEKS VAN PERSIE: Who can blame him for searching for his captain? The ball isn't quite up to scratch, however, and the ball bounces out for a goal-kick.
3
WALCOTT USING HIS PACE: The winger latches onto Jenkinson's ball over the top and wins a throw-in in a useful position.
1
JENKINSON STEERS AWAY DANGER: Mertesacker's clearance puts Jenkinson under a little pressure but the young right-back plays the safe option and clears for a throw.
Top Comments:
Martin Hayes on Arsenal Player says:
Jenkinson has had some tough games this season, but this is a big night for him.
1
AND WE'RE OFF: Marseille get us underway at the Stade Velodrome...
ROSICKY AND ARTETA EMBRACE: The pair will hope to pull the strings in midfield together with Alex Song tonight. Could be a huge occasion for the trio.
VAN PERSIE LEADS THE GUNNERS OUT: Captain fantastic will be desperate to hit the ground running once more tonight. He scored in Dortmund and he'll want to do it again.
AND HERE THEY COME: Both teams arrive on the pitch to a raucous crowd at the Stade Velodrome.
Borussia Dortmund were punished by the French outfit after not taking their opportunities. Arsenal will be keen to learn from their blistering opening 15 minutes against Sunderland and put Marseille to the sword this time around.
Arsenal are expected to enjoy a great deal of the ball this evening. Arsene Wenger has warned against Marseille's usage of the counter attack and the French side could well be happy to see the Gunners keep possession in midfield
Top Comments:
JordanDura on Twitter says:
Big game tonight fancy us nicking all 3 points, need to keep away fans quiet and hopefully get an early goal!
A big test for the Gunners backline tonight, too. Marseille's front three are extremely talented - pace being a particular attribute - and keeping a clean sheet would be some achievement.
Agree with the boss' decision? Either way, make sure you get involved using the #ArsenalLive hashtag on Twitter.
The big talking point is obviously the exclusion of Gervinho from the Arsenal line-up - this really is a big opportunity for Andrey Arshavin to show what he can do.
Substitutes: Bracigliano, Traore, Sabo, Roland, Kabore, Amalfitano, Gignac.
Marseille team: Mandanda, Azpilicueta, N'Koulou, Morel, Diawara, Diarra, Cheyrou, Lucho Gonzalez, Valbuena, Ayew, Remy.
Marseille, of course, have two wins from their opening two fixtures in Group F. Most recently they earned themselves a resounding 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund to certainly raise a few eyebrows.
Substitutes for Wenger's side are: Fabianski, Djourou, Coquelin, Ramsey, Benayoun, Gervinho, Chamakh.
Your Arsenal team for this evening is as follows: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Andre Santos, Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Walcott, Arshavin, Van Persie.
Top Comments:
fabianwriteonly on Twitter says:
Forwards do your part. Midfield stand your ground. Defence be solid as rock. Not paper not scissors but rock! Go gunners!
I'm Joe Brewin and I'll be taking you through events in France this evening. Presumably you're all looking forward to this one as much as I am...
We all know what is at stake as Arsenal travel to Marseille's turf, knowing victory could prove decisive for the Gunners' Group F qualification hopes.
Good evening and welcome to Arsenal.com's live coverage of events from the Stade Velodrome this evening.
Marseille
30 MANDANDA, Steve
28 AZPILICUETA, Cesar
03 N'KOULOU, Nicolas
15 MOREL, Jeremy
21 DIAWARA, Souleymane
23 DIARRA, Alou
07 CHEYROU, Benoit
19 KABORE, Charles (87)
03 GONZALEZ, Lucho
18 AMALFITANO, Morgan (73)
28 VALBUENA, Mathieu
10 AYEW, Andre
18 REMY, Loic
09 PIERRE GIGNAC, Andre (69)
01 BRACIGLIANO, GENNARO
13 TRAORE, DJIMI
26 SABO, JEAN-PHILIPPE
ROLAND, GERARD
19 KABORE, CHARLES
18 AMALFITANO, MORGAN
09 PIERRE GIGNAC, ANDRE
Arsenal
01 SZCZESNY, Wojciech
25 JENKINSON, Carl
20 DJOUROU, Johan (62)
04 MERTESACKER, Per
06 KOSCIELNY, Laurent
11 SANTOS, Andre
25 SONG, Alex
07 ROSICKY, Tomas
08 ARTETA, Mikel
23 ARSHAVIN, Andrey
16 RAMSEY, Aaron (78)
14 WALCOTT, Theo
27 GERVINHO (67)
20 VAN PERSIE, Robin
21 FABIANSKI, LUKASZ
20 DJOUROU, JOHAN
22 COQUELIN, FRANCIS
16 RAMSEY, AARON
30 BENAYOUN, YOSSI
27 GERVINHO,
29 CHAMAKH, MAROUANE
Top Comments:
iamQUIST on Twitter says:
Koscielny outstanding, great moment for Ramsey. Arsenal go top of the group. Great night for away fans