Marseille 1 Arsenal 2: Aaron Ramsey thrilled with ‘vital’ victory

Aaron Ramsey hailed a “vital” win after his goal helped Arsenal kick off their Champions League campaign with victory at Marseille.

After a first half in which the Gunners had to withstand significant pressure from the hosts, Theo Walcott broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when he volleyed home from inside the penalty area.

Ramsey then continued his fine scoring run when he drilled home a second in the 84th minute, before the Welshman conceded a penalty and Jordan Ayew netted an consolation from the spot late on.

But with tough tests against Borussia Dortmund and Napoli still to come, Ramsey was thrilled with the victory.

“It’s a vital win,” Ramsey told Sky Sports. “We have a tough group and it was important to get off to a good start.

“We came here a couple of seasons ago and won and I got on the scoresheet then as well. But we’ve done the same thing and got the win and I’m sure this will be vital again.

“The pitch was quite sticky and slow so we couldn’t quite get the rhythm in our passing going and the quick pace that we normally pass the ball with. In the end I think we deserved it, though.”

Ramsey has now scored six goals in all competitions this season, and the Wales international is delighted with his current form.

“I’m happy with the way I’m playing at the moment,” he said. “I’m playing with confidence and getting into positions and putting them away.

“I feel like I have been getting into these positions throughout my career but perhaps haven’t had the composure I have now.”

Club record signing Mesut Ozil made his second appearance for the Gunners at the Stade Velodrome – and Ramsey has been impressed by what he has seen of the Germany international so far.

“He’s absolutely a class player,” he said. “The things that he does, the way he caresses the ball and picks out a pass is second to none.

“We’re delighted to have him here and he’s slotted in pretty comfortably so far.”