WENGER SMILES AS ARSENAL MAKES 17 SUCCESSIVE APPEARANCE AT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE COMPETITION

It was a moment of scare for teeming Arsenal fans after the teams first leg goal less draw with Besiktas of Turkey (away at Turkey about a week ago) in a two legged play off qualifier for a spot in the prestigious UEFA champions league group stage. 

This meant that, any form of draw (apart from goal less) is enough for the Turkish team who showed a lot of brilliance in the first leg encounter (particularly through their new acquisition from Chelsea, striker "Demba Ba"). 

It was a night of anxiety (on Wednesday) at the Emirates Stadium as fans watched the first half of the game end goal less before Alexis Sanchez open his Gunners goal account at the close of the half.

Wenger's team missed a lot of chances (as usual), Sanchez, Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain failed to score at close range. Tension was heightened at the second half when Mathieu Debuchy was sent off for collecting a second yellow card.

Arsenal almost paid the ultimate price as they were over-run time and again by Besiktas who sought the away goal that would secure a prized European scalp. Demba Ba crashed a great chance into the side netting,It was the best of Besiktas' opportunities, although their coach, Bilic was furious that a penalty was not awarded when Ramon Motta appeared to be clipped from behind by Jack Wilshere.

Sanchez's goal on the stroke off half time enabled Arsenal to progress into the Champions League proper for a 17th successive season.

Arsenal operated with a lone striker (Alexis Sanchez who was signed from Barcelona for a fee of  £35million during the summer transfer window) in the absence of Olivier Giroud, who is thought to have been ruled out until the New Year with a tibia injury.

Though Sanchez struck the all-important winner that guarantees Arsenal's presence in the draw for the group stage, he was also wasteful (guess he is learning the Arsenal way).

Debuchy received his marching orders, if a little unfairly as he won the ball in the tackle, and from then on Arsenal defended for their lives in a hair-raising finish.

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