Anderlecht vs Arsenal Match report

Kieran Gibbs and Lukas Podolski scored in the last five minutes as Arsenal claimed an incredible 2-1 win at Anderlecht on Wednesday.

Arsenal looked down and out after Andy Najar’s 71st-minute header gave Anderlecht a deserved lead in the Group D UEFA Champions League encounter.

But Anthony Vanden Borre hit the post and Anderlecht wasted other late chances, for which they were made to pay.

Gibbs first drew Arsenal level in the 88th minute, volleying home at the back post before Podolski rifled in from close range in the 91st minute.

Chancel Mbemba Mangulu could not clear Alexis Sanchez’s cut-back and the rebound fell invitingly to the Germany international, who sent the away fans wild when he fired home from four yards.

And the win means Arsenal are in a strong position to qualify from Group D, with their last-gasp triumph putting them five points clear of both Anderlecht and Galatasaray – who were beaten 4-0 by Borussia Dortmund – in second.

With Wojciech Szczesny suspended and back-up David Ospina sidelined with a thigh injury, Arsene Wenger handed a start in goal to former Argentina youth international Emiliano Martinez.

Martinez conceded five times in his last Arsenal appearance, an incredible 7-5 win over Reading after extra time in the League Cup’s last 16 in October 2012.

But a repeat never looked likely in an uninspiring first half, which saw Arsenal shade the contest but fail to create many meaningful chances.

The closest Arsenal came was in the 16th minute, when Danny Welbeck headed Alexis’ cross over after a quick break, while the Chilean, Santi Cazorla and Per Mertesacker all missed the target with opportunities.

Anderlecht were far from threatening, either, and a series of blocks and defensive headers from Arsenal meant it took until the 39th minute before Martinez was tested, as he rushed off his line to deny to Dennis Praet from an acute angle.

Alexis had a good chance to give Arsenal the lead five minutes into the second half, but with his back to goal, his flick – which came off his shoulder – could not beat goalkeeper Silvio Proto from Cazorla’s free-kick.

Aaron Ramsey then fired wide after Alexis’ cut-back, before Gohi Cyriac shot at Martinez at the other end.

Anderlecht were growing into the game, as Praet fired over, and shortly after Cazorla’s close call – which saw Proto deny him with an excellent save – the hosts took the lead.

Najar inspired the sweeping counter-attack, bursting down the right before feeding Praet, who composed himself and swung in an excellent cross.

And Najar continued his run, nodding a free header past Martinez and into the bottom-right corner.

Vanden Borre could have wrapped up the win for Anderlecht with 11 minutes left, but his miss-hit effort struck the post after good work from Najar and Praet, and Arsenal made them pay – Gibbs volleying a side-footed finish past Proto from Calum Chambers’ cross.

The goal lifted Arsenal and they surged forward in search of a winner – one that came from the boot of Podolski.

Player ratings

GK) Emiliano Martinez – 7

Very encouraging first display from the young Gunners keeper, made a number of crucial saves.

RB) Calum Chambers – 7

Good display and excellent cross for Gibbs goal.

LB) Kieran Gibbs – 7

Scored the all-important leveler at the death with a wonderful strike.

CB) Per Mertesacker – 6

Shouldn’t have conceded the goal but organised his defence very well.

CB) Nacho Monreal – 5.5

Had a ordinary game. Wasn’t able to quite control the defence.

CM) Mathieu Flamini – 5

Gave those momentary heart attacks.

CM) Jack Wilshere – 6

Had a decent game, made some good runs in the first half.

AM) Aaron Ramsey – 6

Wasn’t quite effective but had a decent game as well.

RW) Alexis Sanchez – 8.5

Never stopped running, real determined display from the Chilean.

LW) Santi Cazorla – 6

Decent game for him as well. Got his corners well into the box and made some good runs in the centre.

ST) Danny Welbeck – 6

Everything but lacked finishing and that final touch.

Manager: Arsene Wenger – 6

Got the result he was after on his 65th birthday, will have not been impressed with a performance that warranted a very different result. Made the right subs, who made the desired impact.

Subs:

1) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6 – Full of running and his direct style clearly worried Anderlecht.

2) Joel Campbell – 7 – Instant impact, frightening defenders.

3) Lukas Podolski – 7 – On for six minutes, scores the winner that will surely do his confidence a world of good.