Arsenal 3 Dinamo Zagreb 0
These games are usually about the first goal.
Until you get the first one, it’s all a bit nervous.
Wenger loves his teams to score from six yards.
Mainly, his possession style is designed to create chances inside the penalty area and in front of the goal.
When Sanchez crossed, Ozil headed in from six yards in 29. Then, in 33, Monreal set up Sanchez from seven for 2-0.
Bang! Bang! Two goals in 4 minutes, game over.
Final score 3-0.
Scorer of the third goal was Alexis Sánchez, whose lightning anticipation was reminiscent of Jimmy Greaves as he slotted from two yards.
Other big Champions League teams, those who have actually won the trophy, enjoyed convincing victories.
Barcelona stuffed Roma 6-1 and look inspired enough to become the first club to retain the Champions League.
With Luis Suarez in this form anything is possible.
His manager Luis Enrique said he looks as if he’s been playing for Barca for many years : “Suarez is capable of transmitting a lot of things through his work. He’s a magnetic player who attracts positive things, who clearly has a very intense instinct.”
Roma keeper Wojciech Szczęsny admitted, “That was beautiful to watch because we played a team from another planet.”
Then the gobby Pole repeated his point. “I play for Roma, but it was beautiful to watch.”
Chelsea hammered Maccabi 4-0 in Tel-A-Viv.
While Arsenal scored three goals in open play, Chelsea scored three from set-pieces. Two corners and a Willian free-kick.
Bayern 4 OIympiakos 0 was a serious victory by an ambitious club.
OIympiakos v Arsenal is on Wednesday, December 9, just before Friday’s draw for the Group Stages of Euro 2016.
With a sharp Theo Walcott back to speed up the attacks, Arsenal can progress to the Round of 16.
That’s their level and it looks like they’ll find it again.