Clive Rose
Schalke have had one of the best weeks in their recent history, while Arsenal have had one of their worst. Die Königsblauen followed up their derby win with a win at the Emirates.
A dull first half turned into an absolutely nightmare second half for Arsenal. The Gunners, who have looked very sharp at times this season, were overrun by Schalke in the second half of Wednesday's game. Thanks to Ibrahim Afellay and Klass-Jan Huntelaar, Die Königsblauen left the Emirates Stadium with a 2-0 victory.
The biggest events of the first half were yellow cards and blocked shots, as both teams failed to put together passing moves. Afellay was booked for diving while trying to win a penalty on one occasion, while Santi Cazorla had more luck hitting Schalke defenders than the net or Lars Unnerstall.
Huntelaar fired Schalke in front after 76 minutes with a great low shot, assisted by Afellay with a knockdown header. Arsenal made a pair of desperation substitutions in response, and they were made to pay for them. Andrei Arshavin replaced Lukas Podolski, while Serge Gnabry came on for Carl Jenkinson. That second substitution proved to be the ill-advised one.
In the 86th minute, Jefferson Farfan made a run down the right flank and hit a low cross to the back post. Waiting there, in the place Jenkinson probably would have been if he was on the pitch, was Afellay to apply a simple tap-in and seal victory for the visitors.
Arsenal have now lost twice and failed to score in two straight matches in all competitions.
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