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29 March 2024

Arsenal win but last 16 spot still not certain

Jack Wilshere of Arsenal scores their second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F match against Olympique de Marseille at Emirates Stadium on November 26, 2013 in London, England. (GETTY)

Published
By Reuters

Arsenal brushed Olympique Marseille aside 2-0 on Tuesday to make it four Champions League wins out of five but they are still not certain of qualifying for the knockout stage with one round of Group F matches left to play.

Two goals from Jack Wilshere, the first after 30 seconds, sealed the points for Arsenal who head the group with 12 points followed by Borussia Dortmund, who beat Napoli 3-1 to leave both sides on nine. Marseille have none after five straight losses.

Arsenal's last match in the group is away to Napoli while Dortmund visit Marseille meaning Arsenal, Dortmund and Napoli could all finish with 12 points in which case results between the three would decide who advances to the last 16.

Arsenal were vastly superior to a Marseille team already out of contention with coach Elie Baup fielding a weakened side with key players rested for their French League exploits.

Wilshere put Arsenal ahead with a clever curler and added a second in the 65th minute after a superb move with the final pass exquisitely played by Mesut Ozil who missed a first-half penalty.

After taking such an early lead against a young and inexperienced Marseille team, Arsenal took the game to their opponents playing with a confident swagger that should have produced more goals in a largely one-sided first half.

Midfielder Aaron Ramsey should have doubled their lead after another fine flowing move orchestrated by Wilshere but he fired straight at goalkeeper Steve Mandanda then Ozul wasted a golden opportunity with a poor spot kick after 38 minutes.

It was debatable whether Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz called the decision correctly as Nicolas N'Koulou's foul on Ramsey appeared to be just outside the area.

Ozul though, off a three-step run up, shot low and weakly to Mandanda's right and the keeper saved comfortably.

Marseille gradually played their way back into the game and Baup increased his attacking options with half an hour to play with the introduction of France international Mathieu Valbuena and impressive young striker Florian Thauvin in place of midfielders Jordan Ayew and Giannelli Imbula.

But, despite having more of the play, Marseille went further behind when Wilshere made it 2-0 after being left unmarked with only Mandanda to beat.

The group will be decided when the sixth and final matches are played on December 11.