A victory at the Emirates Stadium would have ensured Arsenal of a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League for the 12th successive season but they were unable to find a way past Marseille as the match finished in a drab goalless draw. When asked if he was frustrated at not being able to qualify, Walcott told Sky Sports: "Of course. We had the home support, we need to be winning our home matches, but yet again we were solid at the back, we managed to keep a clean sheet, but our strikers didn't manage to get it in the net this time. "But it's a point and all we can do is look forward to the weekend now." Arsenal looked weary from the exertions of Saturday's 5-3 victory at Chelsea and lacked the cutting edge brought by talisman Robin van Persie, who started on the bench against the French outfit. While the home side were frustrated at their inability to emulate last month's win at the Stade Velodrome, a point was the least Marseille deserved from a plucky performance. Walcott added: "Saturday did take a lot out of us but we know what to expect in the Champions League. They're a very strong team, we found it quite tough out there as well. But like I said before we were very solid at the back." Defender Thomas Vermaelen played his first full 90 minutes since returning from injury, and he said: "It was hard work today. They (Marseille) are a good side with good players on the pitch and we had to work hard for this point. "In the second half we had moments where we dominated the play but didn't score." Walcott also welcomed the return of Vermaelen, adding: "It's nice that we're getting a lot of players back to fitness now. Obviously Thomas has been a massive miss and players who have come in have done a fantastic job. "It just shows how much competition there is in each position and everyone needs to be on their toes, and you are now fighting for your position because it's up for grabs."
