Once again we played some magnificent globe trotteresque football but with no end product. Even by our standards our finishing, or should I say lack of it, had to be seen to be believed.
More worryingly we have gone from odds on favourites to top our group to money against just to scrape through!
The blame for tonight's result lays firmly at the feet (& heads) of our strikers, our defenders on this occasion are exonerated of any blame.
Arsenal:
Lehmann - 7 - A spectator for most of the game his most notable contribution was an amusing row with Toure.
Hoyte - 8 - Getting better & better with every game, looked impressive when getting forward.
Toure - 8 - A rock all night & the heartbeat of our defence.
Gallas - 8 - After a couple of disappointing displays he was back to his best using the ball well & never giving CSK a sniff.
Clichy - 7 - Another game under his belt & did well enough. Tried to get forward whenever possible.
Van Persie - 6 - Missed at least two gilt edged chances including a header late on where it seemed more difficult to miss the target (Aliadiere 82)
Fabregas - 7 - Dynamic as always, penalised on many occasions by the referee for some of his English style tackles that are frowned upon in Europe. Missed a sitter having done all the hard work rounding the keeper only to hit the side netting when the goal was gaping. (Flamini 88),
Gilberto - 7 - Drove the midfield, covered the back four & used the ball well. Forced their keeper into a smart save with a powerful header.
Hleb - 7 - Industrious display but as with Cesc kept getting penalised for tackles he would be ok with in the premier league but despite his frustration he kept on working hard.(Walcott 71),
Rosicky - 8 - A tremendous display & was at the heart of all things good. He did however miss the chance of the game passing back to the CSK keeper from just two yards out!
Henry - 6 - Booked within the first minute the skipper was guilty of over elaboration missing some great chances including a one on one with the keeper. His corners were dreadful, please Mr Wenger can we have our striker in the penalty box!
Aliadiere (82) - 4 - Cannot expect much in 8 minutes.
Flamini (88) - 4 - See Aliadiere
Walcott (71) - 4 - Did not pose a threat.
Subs Not Used: Almunia, Senderos, Song Billong, Djourou.