You Maroc My World: Arsenal Edge Birmingham; Chamakh Scores

Arsenal managed to hold on to a narrow lead despite losing Jack Wilshere to a red card in extra time after a stupid tackle.
The Gunners have been prone to giving away leads in the waning minutes of the match, but secured all three points today.
With Fabregas, van Persie, and Walcott still out due to injuries, Arsene Wenger was thrilled to see Samir Nasri return to action after a few weeks out. He paired with Arshavin on the wings to support Marouane as the lone striker.
Marouane played very well today, being responsible for the penalty scored by Nasri in the 41', which helped Arsenal get back on track after going down 0-1 in the 33' when Nikola Zigic put the Blues ahead. The Blues were furious at Marouane, saying he dived. Others have said he went down pretty hard after being tapped lightly, but I didn't see it so I can't comment on that.
His brilliant link-up play, though, was overshadowed by the Gunners' inability to finish in the net. Het set up numerous chances for everyone, but they couldn't convert. Soooo...he did it himself. Wilshere teed up a nice shot for Marouane on the left side of the 6-yard box, and he slotted home the winner!
Marouane didn't play the entire match, and was subbed off in the 79' for Bendtner, who is making his return after a lengthy injury spell.

Marouane goes down in the area and Nasri equalizes with a penalty

But Wilshere's red card in the last minutes of the match most-assuredly made Wenger fume. He said in his post-match interview that Wilshere, "said he mistimed his tackle and touched him on the ankle and deserved the red card."
He won't have young Jack for the next three matches. It's a shame for him because he has shown some good form after being slated last year for being too green. Wenger has been quoted many times about getting rid of the thugs in the Premier League, but several comments I have seen today say he can't say anything after Wilshere's reckless tackle on Zigic.
This makes Arsenal tied on points with United (who dropped two today against WBA...the team Arsenal lost to), but ahead by one goal differential point.
At this writing, Marouane is wayyyyy ahead in the Man of the Match voting for Arsenal. Well-deserved in my opinion. His manager had good things to say about him:

"Since the beginning of the season you look at how many times he has been decisive at 0-0 or 1-1, you will be surprised how influential he is in the team."