Arsenal got their Champions League campaign off to the ideal start on Wednesday as second-half goals by Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey secured a 2-1 win away to Marseille.
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An even contest at the Stade Velodrome swung Arsenal's way in the 65th minute when their French hosts were made to pay for a defensive error, as Jeremy Morel's pitiful attempted clearance inside his own box was pounced upon by Walcott, who slammed the ball past Steve Mandanda in goal.
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Walcott's first goal of the campaign was followed by a sixth of the season for the in-form Ramsey, who drove through the middle of the home defence before firing low past the helpless Mandanda on 83 minutes. Jordan Ayew pulled one back from the penalty spot at the death, but that could not prevent Arsenal from making it six straight wins in all competitions.
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They have set themselves up nicely for the remainder of their Group F campaign, with tough fixtures against Borussia Dortmund and Napoli to come, while outsiders Marseille already face an uphill struggle to rescue anything from their European season.
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They had welcomed Andre Ayew back into their starting line-up after a domestic suspension, while Giannelli Imbula kept his place in midfield despite suggestions that he might be replaced by Benoit Cheyrou.
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Imbula, who turned 21 last week, impressed on his Champions League debut as the hosts started well inside a Stade Velodrome open on one side and which still resembles a building site.
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Aware of the need to get off to a good start, Elie Baup's side had the better of the first-half chances, and the first genuine fright for Arsenal came when Andre Ayew headed a Dimitri Payet cross just wide in the 21st minute.