Arsenal needed victory against Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night to secure an early passage into the Europa League round of 16.

Having won their opening three games to an aggregate scoreline of 8-3, the Gunners were vying for a fourth successive victory.

Much to Arsenal fans' frustration, Arsene Wenger once again fielded a weakened starting line-up to rest the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette.

Matt Macey made just his seventh Arsenal appearance in goal while Mathieu Debuchy started at right-back alongside Mohamed Elneny and Rob Holding in defence.

Going forward, Jack Wilshere was handed another start but in a more attacking role, with Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud his support.

A hugely uninspiring Arsenal display in the opening 45 minutes actually saw Red Star have the better chances.

Macey, who made a nervy start to the game, produced a sublime save by tipping a looping header onto the crossbar from a corner.

Red Star's pace going forward caused Arsenal's defence all kinds of problem, whereas they created very few - if any - clear-cut goalscoring opportunities.

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And then the second period started, it was much of the same from the Gunners.

Sloppy passes in the final third meant they were unable to really test Red Star's goalkeeper on the night, Milan Borjan.

Giroud and Walcott cut particularly frustrated figures up top, but there was one player who copped most of the abuse from Arsenal fans from social media.

Making only his third start this season - none of which in the Premier League, by the way - Francis Coquelin had a diabolical game at the Emirates Stadium.

Coquelin was once a fan favourite amongst Arsenal supporters for his dogged approach in central midfield, but he's now out of form and out of favour.

Whenever he pushed forward to try and aid the attack, more often than not he lost possession, leaving his teammates exposed at the back.