Game: Arsenal vs Steaua Bukarest

Score: 2 - 1

Competition: UEFA Champion League

Goals: Diaby (AFC) (8'), Bendtner (AFC) (42), Zaharia (SBFC) (62')

Report: OK this game didnt really have a lot of importance for both sides, Arsenal, having already qualified for the next round fielded a very young second string side with the likes of Traore (18), Denilson (18) starting and the main big guns left to rest for the BIG game against Chelsea this Sunday. For Steaua it was a case of playing for the heck of it, their fate was sealed before the kick of a ball, they would be going home.

Arsenal started off very crisply, with good movement and passing. Our first chance at goal came as early as the 3rd minute with Theo Walcott racing into the box only to see his shot drag slightly wide, from then on Arsenal dominated, and i nthe 8th minute, a pinpoint cross from Bacary Sagna found its way to Abou Diaby, who's first touch was perfect enough to put him into a shooting position, which he clinically slotted home. From then on, chances started to come and go, Diaby was in the thick of things and nearly got a second when his shot took TWO wicked deflections, but brought out a fantastic save from Steaua Colombian keeper, Roberto Zapatta. Walcott was looking extremely lively and creating good chances but it was just not to be his night. Steaua Meanwhile were rarely out of there own half and when they did get into promising positions, there wide players were offsides. The second arsenal came late in the half, Van Persie's sweet pass found its way to Niklas Bendtner who cooly slotted it home.

THe Host went into the brak 2-nil up...the scond half saw changes made by both managers with Wenger clearly keeping an eye on Sunday. It was Steaua replacements that however had a more positive effect, they had more purpose about them and pushed forward. Then in the 62nd minute, substitute Surdu pushed forward and from there aceoss was floated for Zaharia to power home past Jens Lehmann. From there Arsenal were put out of their stride the goal and the host of changes had unsettled the side and the cohesion was lost, Steaua were on the front foot and nearly grabbed an equaliser with a wicked shot one of their mids which went just wide. Arsenal however hung onto the 3 points to secure 2nd position int the group.......

Next up for Arsenal.......Chelsea!!!