André Santos was the weak link in Arsenal’s side this evening as the Gunners lost 2-0 to Schalke in the Champions League.
The German side became the first foreign side to win at Arsenal in nine years as they took advantage of a pitiful display by Arsene Wenger’s side to take top spot in Group B.
Schalke dominted the game and eventually claimed the win thanks to late goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Ibrahim Afellay.
Left-back André Santos was particularly guilty of complacency as he was torn to shreds by winger Jefferson Farfán throughout the 90 minutes.
The Bundesliga outfit started the brighter of the two sides, and had a legitimate penalty claim in the 14th minute when Farfán went down under a challenge from goalkeeper Vito Mannone, only to be shown an unjustified yellow card for simulation.
Just before half-time, Huntelaar should have made it 1-0 but he struck wide of the near post from six yards after meeting Christian Fuchs’ cross, with Santos to blame once again.
The second half started in the same manner as Farfan breezed past Santos again and squared to Benedikt Howedes, but the Schalke captain made a mess of his attempted shot and blazed over the crossbar.
Schalke finally scored the goal they deserved and punished Arsenal for their carelessness in the 76th minute.
It was far too easy for the visitors as Afellay was allowed to head unchallenged 25 yards from goal to Huntelaar, who was played onside by Santos and smashed the ball low past Mannone.
Four minutes before full-time, Schalke again struck on the break and Santos was again left chasing Farfan’s shadow before the Peruvian crossed for Afellay to slot home from inside the six-yard box.
Boos rung out from the few fans who stayed in the ground until full-time as Stan Kroenke and Arsene Wenger watched from the stands.
The result has left the Gunners second in the group with three matches to play, one point behind Schalke and three above third-placed Montpellier.
