TOM FOOT watches a drab Champions League encounter as Arsenal share the points in a 0-0 draw with Marseille at the Emirates.

CONFIDENCE guided Arsenal through this tie unscathed when the nerves and fear of former months might have seen them lose.

After one month unbeaten in all competitions, the Gunners have one foot in the knockout stages of the Champions League after this drab 0-0 draw with second place Marseille.

The result gives Arsenal a four point cushion to third place with two fames to go after Borussia Dortmund overcame Olympiakos 1-0 in the other group F match.
On "fire" Robin Van Persie started on the bench with Ju Young Park making his Champions League debut as a lone striker.

Park showed lots of promise, but made no impact. He was not helped by some poor final balls from the starting midfield quartet, Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, Gervinho and Mikel Arteta.
Marseille fans sang the revolutionary anthem La Marseillaise but the team could not overcome the Arsenal who looked in control, if not dangerous, throughout.

Even Carl Jenkinson didn't put a foot wrong and was arguably man of the match.

Marseille had the early chances and were always a threat on the counter attack.
Theo Walcott forced a finger tip save from goalkeeper Mandanda as the Gunners turned the tide and settled into a rhythm.
Ramsey was involved in the majority of Arsenal's best chances, driving the play forward and finding goalscoring chances.

He shot straight at the goalkeeper when a sideways pass would have given Walcott a clearer chance. Walcott flung his arms down like an angry child, reminiscent of Henry when players failed to play the square pass.
Minutes earlier his lunging volley at the back post shanked sky-wards and wide.
Gervinho and Ramsey replaced by Arshavin and Rosicky, with Park making way for Van Persie. Experience was brought to the table after the pace and trickery had failed to break down an effective Marseille defensive wall. It was all set for Robin Van Persie whose entrance was met by a huge cheer on 68 minutes.

The Dutchman had one clear cut chance. Sent clear through one on one, and with just the keeper to beat, he opted for an audacious chip. It landed disappointedly in the keeper's arms.
Marseille's Valbuena found himself in space but, unaware of time he had in the box, skewed his shot high over the bar.

A 92nd minute free kick from Vermaelen hit the wall and dribbled out of harms way.
In the end, both teams look happy to settle for what could be a very lucrative point and come away with no injuries.

Back to earth then for the Gunners after the heroics against Chelsea on Saturday.