A return to winning ways for Arsenal as late goals from Kieran Gibbs and Lukas Podolski gave Arsenal a comeback away victory over plucky Anderlecht. Andy Najar put the hosts ahead after 71 minutes and it looked like more disappointment for Arsenal, but two quickfire strikes saw Arsenal claim a nervy win in Brussels. Kieran Gibbs got on the end of a Chambers cross to give Arsenal a life line before Podolski rifled home the winner in the dying moments. It wasn’t the best performance from Arsenal, but a vital victory and a fantastic display of spirit and determination. Arsenal had to reshuffle the squad, with the young Damian Martinez getting his first Champions League start in goal for the suspended Szczesny and injured Ospina. Calum Chambers returned to the squad having been suspended at the weekend, while it was a welcome return to the XI for Aaron Ramsey.

The sides lined up like this:

Arsenal: Martinez, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs, Flamini, Sanchez, Wilshere, Ramsey, Cazorla, Welbeck

Anderlecht: Proto, Vanden, Deschacht, Mbemba, Acheampong, Defour, Najar, Praet, Tielemans, Conte, Cyriac

Report-1st half

The opening period was uneventful but not for a lack of trying by Arsenal. Arsenal enjoyed the lion share of possession against a stubborn Anderlecht side and could have gone ahead after just three minutes but Cazorla missed his attempt wildly after good work down the right from Sanchez. Cazorla would hit the wall from a free kick eight minutes later, and in the 16th Danny Welbeck couldn’t steer his header on goal after more good work from Sanchez on the right.

Our host showed glimpses of intent, and Dennis Praet sent his shot high and wide following a corner in the 27th. Arsenal would cease back control though and continued to take the game to Anderlecht. Alexis Sanchez blazed an effort over the bar in the 34th and three minutes later the best chance of the game fell to Arsenal. Cazorla swung his cross in following a corner and Mertesacker found himself unmarked in the six yard box but the big German was off the mark with his header.

Report-2nd half

Nervy beginning to the second half for Arsenal as Mertesacker just about did enough to block Conte’s shot. In the 49th another gift wrapped chance fell to Arsenal as Sanchez was somehow denied from close range by Proto. Arsenal were piling on the pressure now and Sanchez was at the heart of it. He carved out a chance for Ramsey but the Welshman appeared to kick the ground in his effort and scuffed the ball wide.

Frustration was growing as Arsenal were seeking the cutting the edge. Cazorla saw his low effort saved after a spiraling run down the left in the 64th and Sanchez could only sky his effort from the rebound.

Seven minutes later in the 71st, the host took an unlikely lead. Dennis Praet swung a cross in from a seemingly nonthreatening position down the right but the ball found Andy Najar who rose to nod past Martinez. A sucker punch for Arsenal and a goal against the run of play. The host were barely in the match and yet suddenly had a lead. Arsenal had it all to do now.

Wenger made two changes in the 75th, bringing on Campbell and Chamberlain for Welbeck and Flamini so as to demonstrate his intent. Arsenal were desperate to respond and were nearly level through an Alexis Sanchez free kick in the 81st. The Chilean came agonizingly close but just found the side net with his effort.

Podolski entered for Wilshere in the 83rd as Wenger’s final throw of the dice, and what an impact the German would have later on. Arsenal continued to press found a equalizer through an unlikely source. Kieran Gibbs popped up at the far post to sidefoot Calum Chambers’ cross and claw Arsenal level in the 89th. Priceless for Arsenal and it got better just a minute later. A sensational winner in the 90th when Gibbs’s cross found Sanchez who couldn’t quite bring the ball under control. He worked hard to get a cross in and the ball found its way to Podolski who made no mistake with his finish. He took one touch to control and one more to finish as his shot on the turn beat Proto from close range and found the roof of the net. Jubilation for Arsenal. COYG!!

How did the boys do?

Martinez 6, Chambers 6, Mertesacker 7, Monreal 7, Gibbs 8, Flamini 7, Sanchez 8, Wilshere 6, Ramsey 6, Cazorla 7, Welbeck 6, Podolski 8, Campbell 6,

Gunflash moment-Podolski winner

Sensational winner and great impact off the bench for Podolski. I am so happy for Lukas as he is a player I endorse. Scrappy as it may have been, this goal will do wonders for his confidence and hopefully for his playing time as well. Great awareness and positioning from Lukas and a lethal finish to secure all three points.

Top gunner- Alexis Sanchez

Didn’t score any of the goals but was probably our only positive from the match. He looked lively throughout and was the best player on the pitch. He could have had several assists today and really pulled the strings for us.