Arsenal’s missed opportunity

BOTH Arsene Wenger and Theo Walcott have been at pains to insist this week that Arsenal are not a one-man team but with Robin van Persie left on the bench against Marseille, there was a lack of inspiration as they were held to a disappointing draw at the Emirates.

The result should not do major damage to Arsenal’s chances of reaching the knockout stages (they top Group F with two games to go, a point ahead of Marseille and four clear of Dortmund) and perhaps a clean sheet after Saturday’s 5-3 victory at Chelsea was just what the doctor ordered.

But with van Persie controversially given a rest until the 62nd minute there was a lack of cutting edge to Wenger’s side that may worry the Frenchman as the season reaches a climax next year; and he must also accept this was a missed opportunity because victory would have guaranteed an early place in the last 16.