A standard win against Standard, this. Although Arsenal won comfortably, thanks to first-half goals by Samir Nasri and Denilson, the victory came at a regrettable cost – Kieran Gibbs broke a metatarsal late in the game after a reckless challenge by Liege’s Eliaquim Mangala (not Mangala’s first of the game either).

Gibbs had only just returned from a foot injury, and with Gael Clichy (back) a long-term absentee, Arsene Wenger must find a makeshift left-back. I wonder if he’ll consider moving Thomas Vermaelen out there? If not, Armand Traore will be asked to step up.

William Gallas also went off injured, after a clash of heads with team-mate Andrey Arshavin – you might think Gallas would win that clash, but the meerkat is a tough little b’stard, clearly.

So the Gunners stroll into the last 16, for the seventh successive season. Can they win the competition? They have the ability, but not if the injuries continue to mount up.

The best photos of the game below:

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Arsenal Team Group

Posted in Arsenal, Champions League, Photos | 2 Comments »