Great result all round for Arsenal, 3 points to take home, good performances to build confidence and a solid goalkeeping performance from Fabianski.
I said yesterday that it would be a tough game, and it was. Partizan Belgrade moved forward well and our defence looked rocky at best. Partizan looked the most likely to score until a lovely run from Arshavin on 14 minutes ended in a ball to Wilshere which was beautifully back-heeled back to Arshavin who finished well to put us 1-0 up.
After the goal we were in complete control, creating loads of chances but failed to convert any. Rosciky had a great chance from 8 yards and was only stopped by a the keeper Stojkovic, who was in great form, and Arshavin had a gorgeous chip over the keeper cleared off the line.
We dominated the play until a cross from Partizan's left hit Denilson's upper arm and although it seemed harsh, if it was us claiming the penalty we would have said it was stone-wall. Cleo stepped up and sent Fabianski the wrong way to make it 1-1.
Partizan then had the best of the ball until half time and to be honest I was happy to hear the whistle. HALF TIME 1-1.
The second half plodded along quietly until Arshavin slotted a perfectly weighted ball in for Chamakh to move into the area only to be brought down by Jovanovic who was rightly shown a red card as the last man. Chamakh seemed to be away with the fairies for most of the night and he made the most of what little contact there was, but there was contact.
Arshavin stepped up to take the penalty and went for power but Stojkovic saved.
We failed to make our extra man count for a long time after the red card and I was starting to think it was going to be one of those nights and become frustrated at the way we seem to be unable to play against 10 men.
All that frustration went away on 70 minutes when Rosciky, who had a mixed night, floated in a great cross that Chamakh met with his head, the ball took a deflection and hit the bar but Chamakh was switched on enough to be first to the rebound to head it in for 2-1.
Squillaci then picked up his first Arsenal goal with a pin point header from a Samir Nasri corner to make it 3-1 on 82 minutes to secure our first away win in Europe for over a year and to place us nicely on the top of our group.
The ref however, decided that the game didn't have enough drama so he gave another soft penalty against Gibbs just a minute later. Step up FABianski, a fantastic diving save to his right to prevent Cleo scoring his second penalty of the night. Fabianski then made another great save to his left in injury time. FULL TIME 3-1.
A good night for everyone but in particular, Lukasz Fabianski. He was solid in everything he did during the game, comfortable catches, simple shot stops, good positioning and a penalty save just to put the cherry on top.
This result is exactly what Arsenal needed to pick up the mood before a vital game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
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