One goal in 180 minutes of football from Arsenal's record signing Alexis Sanchez was enough to settle this intriguing Champions League tie.
Sanchez's goal was effectively the last touch of the first half as he finished off a nice move by the North London giants. Arsenal fans definitely did not have it their own way though and their clubs failure to register an away goal in the first leg made sure Besiktas were always in this game right up until the very end. Matters were not helped when Debuchy was sent off for Arsenal with fifteen minutes to go.
The atmosphere was raucous, which was to be expected with the Turks in town. Besiktas had more possession in the game at the Emirates, which is no mean achievement but this was let down by the fact that they failed to register a single shot on goal to test Arsenal's keeper. Arsenal on the other hand, were wasteful in front of goal and should have added to their solitary strike.
Sanchez again played up front, which surprised many as Sanogo was expected to start in the absence of the injured Giroud. Despite him not being cut out to be a striker in a 4-5-1 formation he set a tremendous example to the other Arsenal players with a phenomenal work rate and topped it off by scoring the goal which took Arsenal through.
All in all it was a good nights work for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger successfully manoeuvred his club into the group stages for the 17th consecutive season and again enhances Arsenal's cash-rich bank balance.
Source: DSG
