ARSENAL CONTINUES THEIR FREE FALL

LOSSES AT HOME TO SCHALKE 04

Arsenal lost for the first time since 2009 to a Non-English team at home in the Champions League, to Germany side Schalke 04 by 2 goals to nil.

Schalke 04 who were very impressive and business like in their approach to the game exposed the limitations of Arsenal. The Bundesliga side took control of Group B as goals in the final 15 minutes from Klass Jan-Huntelaar and Ibrahim Afellay gave the Germans a victory their superiority fully deserved.

Arsene Wenger was in the director's box serving the final game of a three-match touchline ban and assistant Steve Bould was in charge on the touchline.

And once Schalke worked out Brazilian left-back Andre Santos was the glaring weak link in the Arsenal line-up, they probed ruthlessly and to great effect to end the Gunners' 100% record in the competition

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen said, the team lack of a cutting edge in the final third cost his side's lost to Schalke in the Champions League.

It was the Gunner's first home lost in the tournament since 2009 and although they are still expected to progress from the group stages, thanks to their earlier wins, it was not the performance they needed after a dismal defeat at Norwich on Saturday.

They were toothless at Carrow Road and a response was expected tonight but it never arrived.