It was not a classic Arsenal performance by any means, but it was a game where there was only ever going to be one winner. The first half was frustrating and really disappointing. For the first 10 minutes I can't recall seeing any team pass as badly as we did, balls were being sprayed all over the place by Wilshere, Alex OC and a few others. We did eventually settle down and began to boss the game, especially in the midfield. However for all our dominance we created only 3 chances. The best of which came to Podolski who dragged his right footed effort wide.
4 minutes into the second half however and we were on the score sheet and it was a special moment for Jack Wilshere, after so long out of action. Podolski knocked it back for Vermaelen who crossed it in, the ball was expertly controlled by Giroud and Wilshere flicked the ball past the keeper, a great finish. He showed his appreciation by running to the bench and hugging Declan Lynch, our fitness coach.
We continued to hammer the Montpellier goal and then in the 63rd minute, Podolski showed exactly what he can do with his left foot. Podolski and Giroud linked up well and Giroud flicked the ball back to Podolski who hammered the ball in past the keeper, definitely our best goal of the season. The points were sealed and we could have had more.
Giroud was denied a goal by the onrushing keeper as was Cazorla. Montpellier to be fair had their chances too and there were a few worrying moments in the Arsenal box but in the end we were the dominant team and we thoroughly deserved the points. New that Schalke had scored late on meant we were through, for the 13th consecutive season. We can still win the group in Olypiacos but its nice to know that now the pressure is off.
Job well done and now we look ahead to Villa away on Saturday.
