VIDEO Arsenal 2-0 Marseille: Highlights; Two Wilshere Goals Put Gunners On Verge Of Champions League Knockout Phase

Arsenal moved within touching distance of a place in the Champions League last 16 with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Marseille at the Emirates. Two goals from Jack Wilshere, the first inside the opening minutes and another midway through the second period clinched a victory that never truly looked in doubt even after Mesut Ozil had a penalty saved late in the first half.

However, with Borussia Dortmund beating Napoli in Group F’s other game, the tightest of sections will go down to the final day. Still, Arsenal remain in prime position to progress, with anything other than defeat by three goals or more away against Napoli sending Arsene Wenger’s side into the knockout phase, regardless of what happens between Dortmund and Marseille.

Having beaten Dortmund in Germany last time out, it would have been a major opportunity wasted had Arsenal then slipped up against a Marseille side that remain without a point in the group. But the French side’s hopeless plight was in full evidence. Coach Elie Baup started with the likes of Mathieu Valbuena and Florian Thauvin on the bench and his side played with a lack of urgency or belief that they would break their duck.

Arsenal to some degree were reduced down to the level of their opponents and only moved up the gears in limited spells. Yet, after events in the opening minute, that was all that was needed.

On a high-pressure night where anything but a win would have been a major unanticipated blow to their hopes of progress, Arsenal got off to the perfect start. From the opening kickoff, Arsenal won back possession and Wilshere was allowed an unopposed run down the right touchline before cutting in, past a lackluster challenge from Lucas Mendes, before curling a shot on his favored left foot into the far top corner. Just 33 seconds were on the clock when the ball crossed the line, making it the fastest goal by an Englishman in Champions League history.

The goal should have been the start of more to come in the opening period. Arsenal were allowed to dominate with little resistance with Marseille’s performance failing to match the intensity of their passionate traveling support.

Wenger will have been disappointed that his side were unable to take advantage profit more by half time. There continued to be an open invitation to attack down Marseille’s left. Minutes after putting Arsenal in front, Wilshere again burst down the flank before this time crossing low for Aaron Ramsey, who should have scored but could only shoot straight against Mandanda.

Ramsey was involved too with Arsenal’s best chance to add to their lead. Arsenal had already had a strong penalty claim turned down when Olivier Giroud was dragged down in the box, before the referee did point to the spot when Ramsey flicked the ball stylishly over the defender on the edge of the box before being tripped by Nicolas N’Koulou. Again the decision was the wrong one from the referee, though, with the contact clearly made outside.