Arsenal show some backbone at last …and a little bit of magic in Belgrade

It was a goal which woke Arsenal from their slumber and fired them within touching distance of the Europa League last 32. Arsene Wenger will hope it is also a goal that breathes new life into their season.

The Gunners boss revealed after this 1-0 win over Red Star Belgrade that Olivier Giroud told him during the game that they would find a way to win.

Milan Rodic’s 81st-minute red card for elbowing Francis Coquelin tipped the balance in their favour but Red Star could probably have had 15 players on the pitch and they would not have stopped Arsenal’s winner.

Jack Wilshere started a wonderful move with a sublime turn before a mesmerising three-pass combination with Theo Walcott, who then found Giroud in the box. The ball came to him in an awkward position yet he displayed quick-thinking and dexterity to hook the ball over his head and into the far corner.

Wenger had selected a side primarily composed of youngsters and fringe players yet his attacking triumvirate boast a wealth of experience and quality which ultimately came to the fore.

He has bemoaned a lack of goals on the road in the Premier League this season – Per Mertesacker’s header in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Watford was their first of the campaign – and it appeared for a long time here as though this game would meander to a conclusion without troubling the scoreboard.

But Arsenal displayed character and self-belief that has been lacking at times to edge to victory. They will need plenty of both in the coming weeks. The Gunners faced scathing criticism for their performance at Vicarage Road but the Europa League has already provided grounds for fresh optimism, particularly in Wilshere’s case, and this was an important step in galvanising the team for future challenges.

Arsenal have questions to answer domestically over their durability for a top four challenge – beginning with Sunday’s trip to Everton – but they head to Goodison Park with a degree of confidence restored, even if the personnel differed dramatically.