Besiktas came to the Emirates with nothing to lose, and they certainly played like it. The Turkish side had their fair share of chances but was unable to convert them after summer signing Alexis Sanchez scored the only goal of the game in first-half stoppage time.
Although Arsenal created the better opportunities, they were unable to convert the majority of them, with both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and goalscorer Alexis Sanchez going close on a number of occasions.
The player ratings for this match:
Arsenal
Wojciech Szczęsny - 7/10: The Polish goalkeeper had relatively little to do. However, whenever called into action, he certainly delivered. Quick off his line and excellent at rising above the crowd to claim crosses. Something the Emirates has now become accustomed to. Was booked towards the end of the game due to time wasting.
Mathieu Debuchy - 6/10: It was a night of mixed fortunes for the French international. He was certainly one of Arsenal's better players until his sending off. Was excellent in getting up and down the right flank. Made two last ditch tackles to prevent goalscoring opportunities from Besiktas. The red card will certainly put a stain on his first European game at the Emirates.
Per Mertesacker - 6/10: The commanding German centre-back returned to the heart of the defence with Laurent Koscielny for the first time since the FA Cup final. Was occasionally caught out of position but looked quite solid given that this was his only his second game since the World Cup Final back in July.
Laurent Koscielny - 7/10: Much like Mertesacker, Koscielny was caught out of position once or twice. Given that he had to sit out of the Everton game due to an achilles injury, it was a solid overall performance from Arsenal's loveable centre-back.
Nacho Monreal - 7/10: Whilst only filling for the injured Kieran Gibbs, the Spaniard enjoyed a relatively successful game. Covered the left hand side well. Was unfortunate to not get an assist after a low, drilled cross to Oxlade-Chamberlain. Satisfactory performance from Monreal.
Mathieu Flamini - 6/10: Flamini had a relatively quiet game. Surprisingly, lasted the full ninety minutes without receiving a booking. Didn't see much of the ball but sat back in front of the back four well. An average game for the ageing Frenchman.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 8/10: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was one of the standout players. Linked up excellently with Debuchy up until the Frenchman's sending off. Had numerous mazy runs and was unfortunate to not get himself on the scoresheet after forcing the Besiktas 'keeper into a point blank save.
Jack Wilshere - 8/10: Had an excellent performance that was long overdue. He helped fill the midfield void that was left through Ramsey's absence and did so quite impressively. Wilshere was involved in the build up to the only goal of the game. Defended with passion and looked more like his old self, which is a positive sign. Although he was fortunate to not concede a first half penalty.
Mesut Özil - 8/10: In only his second game this season, Özil put in a good performance given being played out of position. The World Cup winner has adapted well to his role on the left and looked much more comfortable out wide than he did at Goodison Park. However, there were a few lapses of concentration in the final third. Once he shakes off his rustiness, him and Sanchez shall prove to be a dazzling duo. Provided the assist for the Chilean.
Santi Cazorla - 8/10: Was at the centre of everything attacking for Arsenal. Started many counter attacks and helped out defensively. Much more effective than he was in the first leg. Cazorla appears to be coming into first gear.
Alexis Sanchez - 7/10: A much better performance from the Chilean than against Everton. Wenger handed him a second chance to lead the line and he certainly took it. Was relatively quiet in the first-half until he took his goal. Once he scored he appeared to grow in confidence. Dropped deep to receive the ball and chased down everything until the last kick of the game. Admirable determination from Sanchez.