Arsenal's injury list grows after sub-Standard performance

Arsenal may well be home and dry into the knockout phase of the Champions League but they certainly need to practice both shooting accuracy and defending if they are to topple any of the big guns of the competition.

All reports in the press are correct in that Arsenal flew out of the traps in search of an early breakthrough after the poor performance at Sunderland. With an assault on the Liege goal early on with no reward it was looking like it might be one of those nights. Standard themselves had their chances hitting the woodwork twice and exposing the Arsenal defense a handful of times over the 90 minutes but on the whole were poor, a stronger team would more than likely have taken those opportunities.

It was an obvious body blow to the visitors when a defensive error allowed Samir Nasri to skip in and slot home on the volley just after half hour. Then in the dying embers of the half, Denilson's effort from 35 yards swerved left then right bamboozling the goalkeeper who could only manage a flap at it before it hit the roof of the net. Those expecting a masterclass in the second half and to be treated with more goals were left disappointed when the only real highlights were the return of Denilson and Walcott along with a solid performance by Rosicky.

Arsenal's performance was efficient and effective considering the opposition however it did look like a few players struggled to get out of 2nd gear. Perhaps this was precautionary ahead of Chelsea at the weekend or maybe just because it was job done by half time. Either way it would have been better in my opinion to go for a big win, send out a message of intent and then relax from Wednesday to Saturday night instead of during the second half.

As for the injuries, it was very disappointing to see Gibbs limp off at the end of the second half with what was later confirmed as a broken metatarsal. This now leaves the ageing Silvestre or the fairly inexperienced Traore to deal with Chelsea at the weekend. The absense of RvP showed, despite his efforts, Carlos Vela looked a little lost on his own and the nod will almost definitely be given to Eduardo on Sunday. Arshavin and Gallas picked up some bumps and bruises but nothing an ice pack and some staples wont fix.

Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday.