Kieran Gibbs Nacho Monreal Arsenal
Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs celebrates with Nacho Monreal after scoring against Anderlecht in their Champions League gameReuters

Arsenal played just about as badly as they could played, looking like they were coming off a late-night party to celebrate Arsene Wenger's 65th birthday, but they showed enough, just enough, quality in the final couple of minutes of the game to seal a remarkable come-from-behind win over Anderlecht in the Champions League.

The Group D match seemed to be heading the way of the team from Belgium, after Andy Najar headed Anderlecht in front in the 71st minute.

But an unbelievable couple of minutes right at the end of the game saw Kieran Gibbs equalise with a terrific volley into the bottom corner, before substitute Lukas Podolski struck from close range to turn the tie around in stunning fashion and give Arsenal a barely-deserved-but-they'll-certainly-take-it 2-1 win.

The first half was bereft of chances and cutting edge from either team, as Arsenal looked laboured in their attacks, taking too much time on the ball, and not showing enough imagination to unlock the Anderlecht defence.

The home side, filled with youngsters, who to their credit did not seem overawed by the grand stage, were happy to sit back and hit on the counter, using their pace up front to try and cause Per Mertesacker and co. a trouble or two.

Goals, though, never looked like coming from either side, as the match looked headed for a 0-0 draw, before a nice Anderlecht attack changed it all. Najar started the move, playing a pass down the right to Dennis Praet, who took his time before picking out a cross-that-should-have-never-been-allowed-to-reach-the-box for Najar, who had continued his run, with the Honduran planting a wonderful header past Emiliano Martinez after finding space behind Calum Chambers.

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If a reaction was expected from Arsenal, it never came, despite Wenger bringing on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joel Campbell for defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini and the ineffective Danny Welbeck, as Anderlecht created a host of chances to put the game to bed.

Anthony Van Den Borre should have made it 2-0 for Anderlecht, as some comical Arsenal defending allowed the fullback to take a strike which struck the post. Then, Matias Suarez nearly sprung clear but his touch let him down, while Steven Defour forced a pretty good save from Martinez, who was left way too exposed yet again courtesy some kamikaze defending from the away team.

Despite those missed chances, Anderlecht looked like they would take the three points as Arsenal hardly mustered up a half-chance, but all that changed when Chambers swung a cross from the right, which Gibbs met sweet-as-you-can to make it 1-1 in the 89th minute.

Two minutes later, and Wenger was grinning from ear to ear again as Podolski smashed the ball home from four yards after the ball broke to him after some good work from Alexis Sanchez.

It was harsh on Anderlecht, but Wenger will probably point out to the fact that Arsenal were due a bit of luck considering the manner in which the season has gone so far for them.

There is still plenty to do if they are to make it to the knockout stages and finish top of Group D, however, with Borussia Dortmund looking in complete control after their comfortable win at Galatasaray.


All Goals - Anderlecht 1-2 Arsenal - 22-10-2014 by ER-TV