Two late first-half goals, the second a stunning strike from Brazilian midfielder Denilson, ensured that Arsenal topped Champions League Group H with one round of matches to spare.

The Gunners only needed a point to reach the last 16 but ought to have won by more, even though their Belgian-based opponents, who finished a man short after Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez’s late dismissal, struck the woodwork on two of their occasional forays into attack.

However, there was bad news on the injury front for Arsenal when young English full-back Keiran Gibbs broke his metatarsal late in the game.

And French defender William Gallas came off worst after a first-half clash of heads with team-mate Andrei Arshavin.

Arshavin received a nasty head wound but was able to carry on, while Gallas’s eye swelled up and he also picked up an ankle injury, although he should be fit for the EPL visit of Chelsea on Sunday.

None of this fazed Arsenal, who could have been two or three goals to the good before Samr Nasri broke the deadlock on 35 minutes, taking advantage when Landry Mulemo failed to intercept Thomas Vermaelen’s hopeful long-ball.

Earlier, Carlos Vela had hit the post and Arshavin had inadvertently cleared a Vermaelen effort in one madcap goalmouth melee.

Arsenal’s second goal was a complete contrast, Denilson swerving a magnificent 30-yard shot past Standard keeper Sinan Bolat on the stroke of half-time.

The goal ended the game as a contest, although Dieudonne Mbokani had hit the angle of post and crossbar with a fierce drive on 22 minutes.

Gohi Bi Cyriac also found the frame of the goal seven minutes from time. But Standard’s goal had led a charmed life all evening.

And the previously luckless Carcela-Gonzalez was sent-off on 86 minutes for a headbutt motion towards Cesc Fabregas to complete a miserable night for the outclassed Belgian side.