With Arsene Wenger selecting a very makeshift defence of Debuchy and Holding either side of a central midfielder Elneny, as well as three young Gunners in Nelson, Willock and Maitland-Niles it was clear that the Gunners were making the Premier League game away to Everton on Sunday a big priority.
But despite looking reasonably happy to go away with a point from Serbia, Arsenal made it three wins out of three thanks to a cracking late goal scored by Olivier Giroud with one of his improvised specials. Walcott began the move and Wilshere found the big striker with another piece of top quality.
We did have a big helping hand after Red Star Belgrade were reduced to 10 men when Rodic got a second booking for a strong challenge on Coquelin that left him with a tasty lump on the side of his face. Until then chances were pretty scarce for both sides.
Wilshere, Walcott and Nelson had all shown signbs of carrying a goal threat but we were not exactly al over the home team and Cech had to make a few saves as that odd looking defence had some shaky moments. Not a thriller by any means but the perfect result for Arsenal which was lit up by a special Giroud goal.
Bob.