Arsenal is a good bet to make it to the European Champions League group stage for a 16th straight year after a thorough 3-0 dismantling of Turkish side Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Wednesday. The Gunners scored three second-half goals to wrap up the victory and put themselves firmly in the driver’s seat for next Tuesday’s rematch at the Emirates.
Arsenal entered the match with a big question mark hanging over them since manager Arsene Wenger hasn’t strengthened the squad during the offseason. The club looked mediocre in a 3-1 home loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League curtain raiser, but a much better showing in Turkey has temporarily alleviated the pressure on the players and manager.
To be honest, Fenerbahce didn’t really put up much resistance though and it looked like the side was playing as if they’re already resigned to their Champions League fate. Of course, the Turkish club has technically been banned from playing in European competitions for two seasons by UEFA and is waiting to see if their appeal will be upheld or rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The problem is they won’t find out until the day after the second leg in London.
However, the Gunners fully deserved the win and they’ve now won two in a row against Fenerbahce in Istanbul as they beat them 5-2 there in 2008. The match was rather uneventful over the first 45 minutes other than defender Laurent Koscielny having to leave the match in the 33rd minute due to a badly cut face. The French international defender was on the receiving end of a boot to the head courtesy of Fenerbahce striker Pierre Webo, who received a yellow card for the dangerous play. Carl Jenkinson took over from the bloodied Koscielny.
The game was goalless when the first 45 minutes ended , but Arsenal came to life early in the second half. Theo Walcott streaked down the right wing in the 51st minute after gathering in a pass from Aaron Ramsey. He put in a low cross to the far post which Kieran Gibbs placed into the top of the net from a few yards out for a 1-0 lead. Ramsey doubled the score just 13 minutes later when he hammered a low shot from 20 yards out. Fenerbahce keeper Volkan Demiral managed to get a piece of the ball, but it eluded him and skipped over the goal line.
Olivier Giroud put the icing on the cake in the 77th minute when he calmly converted a penalty kick. The Gunners were awarded the spot kick when Michal Kadlec barged into Walcott from behind. Strange things often take place in football so it would be wise not to start celebrating just yet, but a 3-0 away win would certainly be hard to blow next week. Arsenal needs to take things one game at a time though and their next outing will take place at Craven Cottage on Saturday when they meet Fulham for a London derby.
Arsenal Player Ratings-Wed. Aug. 21
Fenerbahce 0-Arsenal 3-Champions League Qualifying Round 1st Leg
Wojciech Szczesny-6.5
Arsenal’s keeper didn’t have much to do, but was there when needed. His best save came late in the second half to keep the clean sheet.
Bacary Sagna-7
Sagna played centre-back after Koscielny left the match and filled in admirably.
Per Mertesacker-7
Mertesacker was solid and steady and didn’t commit any major errors while keeping his eye on the Nigerian Emenike.
Laurent Koscielny-6.5
Koscielny was having a decent game before getting a boot to the head by Pierre Webo after about half an hour. He was replaced by Jenkinson when he went off to get stitched up.
Kieran Gibbs-7.5
Gibbs played well in all areas of the pitch and owned the left side of it. Converted Walcott’s low cross for the game winner after 51 minutes.
Aaron Ramsey-8
A fine game by Ramsey. He tackled well, distributed the ball smartly and scored the second goal with a powerful shot. Showed a lot of energy.
Jack Wilshere-7
Had a better second half than first 45 minutes and got stronger as the game progressed.
Tomas Rosicky-7
The second good game in a row for the midfielder. Passed the ball well and never got himself into trouble.
Santi Cazorla-7
Cazorla had a good game, but nothing special. He worked hard and performed his job satisfactorily.
Theo Walcott-8.5
Walcott’s speed was hard to handle. He set up the first goal with a beautiful pass to Gibbs and was pulled down for the penalty that led to the third goal. Was a threat all night long. Was taken off after 87 minutes for Nacho Monreal.
Olivier Giroud-7.5
Giroud got involved and stuck in as much as possible, but he was marled well by the defenders. Calmly scored the third goal on a penalty. Was taken off after 82 minutes for Lukas Podolski.
Substitutes:
Carl Jenkinson-7
Entered the game when Koscielny left after 33 minutes. Did a fine job at both ends of the pitch.
Lukas Podolski N/A
Came on after 82 minutes for Giroud.
Nacho Monreal N/A
Came on after 87 minutes for Walcott.
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