Gunners fire blanks but reach last 16
ARSENAL booked their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League despite a drab goalless draw at home to Red Star Belgrade.
With Arsene Wenger continuing his policy of completely rotating his Premier League side for this competition, the Gunners were toothless as the visitors wasted the best chances of a forgettable contest at the Emirates Stadium.
Jack Wilshere came closest to winning it for the hosts only to see a second-half effort superbly cleared off the line by Damien Le Tallec.
Wenger’s changed outfit, featuring the likes of Wilshere, Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott, had won their three Group H games heading into this tie.
A point against the Serbia SuperLiga side proved to be enough to assure them of a place in next month’s draw as Cologne beat BATE Borisov in the group’s other game.
As expected, Arsenal started on the front foot and Milan Borjan was forced into action to prevent Olivier Giroud putting the hosts ahead as he steered Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ cross towards goal.
Arsenal were on top but failed to create any chances of note, Giroud again thwarted by Borjan before Matt Macey saved well from Slavoljub Srnic at the other end.
Macey, making just his second appearance for Arsenal, produced an even better save moments later to turn Vujadin Savic’s header onto the crossbar.
The second half was equally tedious, taking until the 65th minute before Wilshere chipped Borjan only for Le Tallec to block brilliantly.
Wenger turned to 18-year-old Eddie Nketiah to push for a winner, but Boakye came closest with a glorious chance to clinch it for Red Star.