Laboured Arsenal defeat of Lille hands Mikel Arteta concerning new selection headache

This was not a night to challenge Mikel Arteta 's beliefs. The overriding message was that he can trust the Arsenal players he already trusts. The 36-team, never-ending league phase format of the Champions League does not serve up jeopardy. Clubs have eight bites at the cherry. It is fairly difficult to be knocked out. This match, a 3-0 Arsenal win , was initially played in that mould. The Gunners knew defeat would hold no real meaning. Arteta himself would never admit as much but his team selection went some way to doing so.