Arsenal 2 - 0 Marseille Match Report: Wilshere shines in comfortable victory

Another victory, another clean sheet and another assured performance, however Dortmund's victory over Napoli means that despite having racked up 12 points in 5 games, qualification into the last 16 isn't yet guaranteed.  Poor old Marseille further enhanced their status as group whipping boys and the difference in class was clear.

There were signs against Southampton that Jack Wilshere was getting back to his best with a very strong performance and almost an exceptional goal.  Last night deployed out on the right, he wasted no time when after just half a minute of the match, he cut in side and curled a beauty into the top corner. It was a sensational goal and a sensational start to the match.  Jack has received some criticism lately, particularly from supporters of the national side but it takes someone of very little patience or a very short memory to write off a player off such obvious potential and quality. He took his goal tally for the season to four last night - a very encouraging figure which I am sure he can build on. His goals were well timed last night as Ramsey came close a couple of times but along with Özil was denied by some good saves.

It should have been 2-0 before half time after Ramsey flicked the ball over his man before being taken out on the edge of the box (probably just outside). The referee pointed to the spot but when Özil stepped up, his penalty was soft and comfortably saved. It was a mixed bag from our record signing last night; he missed a penalty and had some sloppy moments but he also showed a few moments of quality and created 5 chances, including the assist for Wilshere's second goal of the game.  After a lovely slide-rule pass from Ramsey, Özil played a neat ball with the outside if his foot across the area to the well-positioned Wilshere, who finished confidently with the inside of his left boot.

"I liked his first goal. Before, he rushed a little bit. He's starting to think 'what Ramsey can do, I can do as well'. He's calm in front of goal and especially the first goal shows that." - Arsène Wenger on Jack Wilshere

The team's performance was one of dominance; it was a comfortable game as we bossed possession (67.3%) and it was very disciplined too - we only conceded 5 fouls and picked up no yellow cards, even with Flamini starting. It was perhaps a sign of how strong a team we are at the moment that there was a feeling of having let Marseille off a bit lightly - perhaps we could have been a little more urgent and clinical but ultimately is was another encouraging performance.  We also showed a little strength in depth by bringing in Rosicky, Flamini and Monreal and Walcott made his second substitute appearance of the week.  The game shouldn't have been too physically demanding and the team should be fighting fit for their tricky but ultimately winnable trip to Cardiff on Saturday.

So what does this mean for our hopes of going through? In short, presuming Dortmund beat Marseille in France, Arsenal will need to avoid defeat by three goals in Napoli. It would be surprising and upsetting if we managed to lose by three goals against a team we beat with such style and brilliance at the Emirates stadium.

Man of the match: Jack Wilshere