Soccer:Arsenal were held to a scoreless draw by Olympique Marseille at the Emirates stadium in what proved a frustrating evening for Arsene Wenger's men. They still lead Group F in the Champions League one point clear of last night's opponents with two matches remaining.
Gunners’ captain Robin van Persie was named as a substitute, the Holland international dropping to the bench despite netting a hat-trick during the 5-3 defeat of Chelsea at the weekend.
Van Persie was replaced in attack by Park Ju-young, while in defence Carl Jenkinson came in for Johan Djourou. Marseille manager Didier Deschamps also made two changes to his starting line-up, bringing in Mathieu Valbuena and Alou Diarra.
The pair’s inclusion was part of an attack-minded philosophy adopted by Marseilles at the Emirates Stadium and one that almost paid dividends immediately. Andre Ayew jinked down the left flank with aplomb and fired in a low cross that his brother, Jordan, almost flicked home within the opening minutes.
Marseille continued to dominate the opening exchanges as the Ayew brothers bedazzled Arsenal’s backline, with Andre poking just wide after some neat interplay in the fifth minute.
Loic Remy was the architect of that opportunity and he saw a goal bound shot blocked moments later, before Theo Walcott was denied by a sprawling Steve Mandanda save at the other end.
Gervinho was next to test Marseille captain Mandanda, before a deep cross by Andre Santos was almost converted at the back post by Aaron Ramsey. Arsenal were now controlling play and defending deep, aware of the threat Marseille posed on the counter attack.
Wenger’s side were also looking dangerous on the break and, after Gervinho saw a drive stopped superbly by Mandanda, hesitation saw Park and then Ramsey waste decent opportunities to score.
Diarra was booked for a foul on the latter as Marseille struggled to keep the Arsenal attack at bay, with the resulting free-kick curled just wide by Mikel Arteta.
The second period started in the same manner in which the opening 45 minutes ended, with Arsenal dominating possession but failing to create any clear chances.
Gervinho and Park were both struggling to produce the moment of magic that would force an equaliser, which led Wenger to replace the latter with talisman van Persie in the 62nd minute. The Holland international received a standing ovation from the home faithful on his introduction, as did Ramsey when he was taken off in favour of Tomas Rosicky moments later.
Marseille looked the more likely side to break the deadlock in the closing stages but a winning goal continued to elude both teams.
Arsenal:Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Andre Santos, Song, Arteta, Walcott, Ramsey, Gervinho, Park. Subs: Fabianski, Koscielny, Rosicky, van Persie, Djourou, Arshavin, Benayoun.
Marseille:Mandanda, Fanni, Diarra, N'Koulou, Morel, Diawara, Andre Ayew, Valbuena, Cheyrou, Jordan Ayew, Remy. Subs: Bracigliano, Azpilicueta, Gonzalez, Gignac, Kabore, Traore, Amalfitano.
Referee:Paolo Tagliavento (Italy)
