At the start of the campaign, we all wanted qualification to the next stage, and last night that goal was achieved, albeit in less than spectacular fashion.
In absolutely dreadful conditions over in Prague, Arsenal ground out a goalless draw, keeping the unbeaten run going, but meaning that they have failed to score in a game for the first time this season. There was driving rain, cold and wind to contend with, alongside a far more organised outfit than the one that shipped seven goals at Ashburton Grove.
Arsene Wenger rang the changes for this one, Cesc Fabregas and Alex Hleb did not even travel, and with alleged injuries to Tomas Rosicky and Kolo Toure, the starting eleven resembled that of the Carling Cup team a week previously. Theo Walcott was given a rare start as was Gilberto Da Silva.
In all fairness, while Arsenal never really threatened, and never really looked like scoring, they certainly never looked as though this was a game they were going to lose. Almunia had to produce a couple of smart saves, but overall was rarely troubled.
Given the conditions, the improvement from Prague, and the fact that only a single point was required for qualification, the 0-0 scoreline reflected the game, and gave the supporters exactly what they wanted. Although there are two further group games to go, Wenger can dabble around with the team at will, safe in the knowledge that The Gunners are in the next stage, while other big name European teams still have to earn that right.
Arsenal ...........4 3 1 0 11 0 +11 10
Sevilla ............4 3 0 1 8 6 +2 9
Slavia Prague ....4 1 1 2 4 12 -8 4
Steaua Bucharest 4 0 0 4 2 7 -5 0