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Arsenal hang on for a tight 1-0 win over a zealous Besiktas outfit. The Gunners looked good at times but will have to work on their final touch if they hope to be trophy winners this season.
Sanchez struggled as a lone striker and I suspect the Gunners will be looking for a short term replacement for the injured Olivier Giroud.
Arsenal were perhaps lucky in the end to hold on for victory, but Besiktas just couldn’t get that final ball right.
Demba Ba had another promising game and should thrive in Turkey this season.
FINAL SCORE:
Arsenal 1
Besiktas 0
Arsenal will be looking to book their place in the Champions League this morning as they do battle with Turkish side Besiktas. Join us on The Roar for live updates and commentary from 4:45am (AEST).
After a 0-0 away draw in Turkey, the Gunners will be keen to impress on home soil and ensure their place in Europe’s grandest tournament.
Following a come from behind Premier League 2-2 draw with cross-town rivals Everton on Saturday, Arsenal will be looking for a tighter defence against Besiktas if they want their qualification dreams to remain alive.
While Besiktas, yet to start their domestic campaign, are keen to sneak a win against an Arsenal side hit with injuries and suspension.
For Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey will sit out the game after picking up the first red card of his career in the first leg of the competition. Similarly, captain Mikel Arteta and striker Olivier Giroud are both expected to miss out with respective ankle injuries.
Such an injury toll may well leave new comer Alexis Sanchez serving as the Gunners lone striker after an early substitution against Everton.
In Arsenal’s favour, World Cup winners Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker are expected to start after returning to action against Everton.
Besiktas on the other hand are injury free and will field a full strength team including former Newcastle and Chelsea player Demba Ba.
Ba impressed in his third competitive performance for the Turkish side, nearly scoring spectacularly from the kick-off in the first leg, having already scored three times in qualifying.
The Turkish side will likely face an up-hill battle playing away against a team yet to lose at home to a Turkish side in three matches. They do however, have a history of knocking off Premier League giants having beaten Chelsea and Manchester United in 2003 and 2009 respectively.
Could they pull off another upset?
Find out here at the bright and early time of 4.45am as Arsenal host Besiktas in the quest to make it to the Champions’ League group stage.
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