Those expecting a repeat of the performance at Goodison might have been disappointed last night, but this was a highly effective European away display that gained Arsenal an excellent chance of progressing to the Champions League group stage and its attendant financial rewards. Arsene Wenger may even feel confident enough of going through to actually spend the money from the two transfers to Manchester City.

What impressed most about last night was the retention of some of the good habits that were seen against Everton. The players worked hard when Celtic had the ball, so much so that the Hoops were pressured into mistakes and unable to exert consistent pressure. Arsenal silenced the Parkhead crowd, no mean feat for a game of this magnitude. Granted, when they had possession themselves, there were more errors than on Saturday, but the fact that they did not switch off when they lost possession made up for this.

Chances were fashioned at both ends, though little that was really clear cut. It was a tight, physical game, although not dirty or ill-tempered. Arsenal’s goals came as a result of exerting greater pressure – territorially they spent a great deal of the game in the Celtic half. Granted, they were fortunate with both goals, but ultimately, they were the result of pressure. Tony Mowbray said afterwards that his players should learn a thing or two from what Arsenal did both when they were in possession and when they were not. High praise indeed.

The Celtic manager had talked of a ‘cunning plan’ in the build-up to the game, which seemed to be not starting his normal frontline. Certainly, there was the feeling that he would have been happy to end the game 0-0, as his side seemed to prioritise Arsenal not scoring rather than going on the attack themselves. 1-0 changed that a little, but once the Gunners went two up, the home side seemed to lack the physical resources to mount a sustained period of pressure.

Thomas Vermaelen had a giant game at the back when danger did threaten and the signs for the future are very encouraging. It seems likely that we are watching William Gallas’ final season at the club, and so it would still be prudent to address this area in the transfer market. Gael Clichy also put in some uncharacteristically good balls from the flank, an area of his game that has always looked deficient. One obviously led to the goal, but as the full backs are Arsenal’s only real source of width, it is important that he improves in this respect.

Are Celtic likely to overturn a 2-0 deficit? They’ll obviously aim to score first and take it from there. But it’s a big ask. Arsenal should get through easily enough if they can score one next week. I can’t see the Scottish team getting three against Arsenal based on what I witnessed last night.

I liked the stadium - first ever visit. As many seats as Arsenal’s, but much more of a football ground. You’ll Never Walk Alone provided plenty of noise, but I’d have to admit that what followed – in terms of volume – disappointed me a bit. In contrast, the visiting supporters were in fine voice and backed the team brilliantly for 90 minutes.

The job may be only half done, but the hard part’s over. Next two matches are Pompey and the return leg against Celtic, hopefully setting the side up to do something memorable at Old Trafford.