Arsenal were uncertain in possession and found themselves increasingly stretched, but mustered a remarkable turnaround
Arsenal are often criticised for their defending and sometimes for overplaying on the edge of the oppositions area but it is unusual for Arsène Wengers side to encounter problems with passing, traditionally their strongest suit. On a difficult night in Brussels, they struggled to control the midfield zone and rarely enjoyed significant spells of pressure.
Wenger fielded a relatively cautious side, with Mathieu Flamini at the base of midfield. The Frenchman is considered a superior player defensively to club captain Mikel Arteta, who is returning from injury and was only on the bench, but he struggles to match Artetas reliability in possession. Twice in the first half Flamini squandered possession in bizarre circumstances, mistakenly assuming a pass towards him was intended for a team-mate, underlining Arsenals uncertainty. Arteta lacks Flaminis battling qualities but he ensures Arsenal dominate matches against weaker opposition.