As Manchester City fought back from a two goal deficit in the Champions League on Tuesday night, Arsenal threw a similar advantage away in the Veltins Arena.
The 2-2 draw with Schalke 04 means the German side now will be favourites to qualify as winners from Group B.
It means that a possible meeting with the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid could be on the cards in the first knockout round for Arsene Wenger.
The spirit that was evidently lacking at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime was there for all to see but the travelling support will be disappointed to have seen their young side concede a great advantage against an in-form German team.
Schalke currently sit second in the Bundesliga and their confidence levels didn’t seem to be dented, despite a surprising defeat at the weekend to 1899 Hoffenheim.
Nevertheless, they will have been surprised to find themselves 2-0 down after 25 minutes.
Walcott proves his worth
Wenger’s decision to drop foolish left back Andre Santos was not a surprise to anyone.
His performance against Manchester United at the weekend was laughable at best.
Into the starting 11 came Theo Walcott (pictured) for his first competitive start since the opening day of the season.
The flying winger justified his selection in the 18th minute, following up on Olivier Giroud’s blocked effort to score his eighth goal of the season.
Walcott’s campaign has been dominated by frustration in stalled contract negotiations but he has proved his worth as an impact player and urgently needs to stay at the Emirates.
The supporters are probably fed up of seeing top stars leave, so it is crucial they hold on to Walcott’s services in the long-term.
He might be a frustrating player to watch on a regular basis but he has shown more consistency in 2012 than what he ever has before.
The hard-working visitors doubled their lead eight minutes later. Lukas Podolski’s excellent delivery was met by a diving header from Giroud.
It was the Frenchman’s first goal in Europe for his new club, as he slowly begins to settle in after a tough start in the English football climate.
Huntelaar in demand
While Arsenal have their own contract issues with Walcott, Schalke have the same with goal ace Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
The Dutchman converted Jermaine Jones’s pass on the stroke of half-time to bring the semi-finalists from two years ago back into the contest.
Huntelaar has indicated that he doesn’t want to sign a new contract in Gelsenkirchen and could be available on a free transfer in the summer.
Like Walcott, you can’t help but feel that Huntelaar’s impact on his side will be crucial to their future potential.
Schalke are a very good side and have a stronger financial outlook than many top European clubs but Huntelaar is their only world class player.
Perhaps they will need to cash in on him in January. Manager Huub Stevens has an incredibly tough decision to mull over in the winter window.
With plenty of corners and pressure, Arsenal’s goal was living a charmed life in the second half and with 20 minutes left, Jefferson Farfan finished coolly to level the scores.
A difficult final quarter of the game was seen out by Wenger’s side and in the circumstances; a point is a good result.
However, it could have been so much better and means a more difficult tie in the knockout stages is possible.
Still, at least Arsenal’s destiny in Group B is totally reliant on performances they put in, unlike another English club.
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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