The Gunners needed only a point from the Group H clash but as soon as Denilson (45) added to Samir Nasri's (35) opener, their passage through to the knockout stages was assured.

The Gunners started well and created four chances that required desperate defending and brave goalkeeping from their Belgian opponents to deny them.

Andrey Arshavin's header was saved by Sinan Bolat, Carlos Vela hit the rebound against the post, the ball fell for William Gallas but Bolat blocked twice, then Thomas Vermaelen's finish struck Arshavin on the goalline.

Emmanuel Eboue attempted to win a penalty by getting his legs to clip Eliaquim Mangala - but referee Konrad Plautz waved play on.

But Standard came closest to breaking the deadlock when Diedonne Mbokani cut inside from the left and curled a shot which clattered the crossbar.

However it was Arsenal who eventually went ahead through Nasri.

Vermaelen's long ball should have been cut out but Landry Mulemo slipped and Nasri finished on the half-volley into the left corner.

Arshavin could have added a second goal but fired just wide and then at the other end, Reginal Goreux looked to have a legitimate claim for a penalty when Gallas brought him down in the box.

However, Arsenal doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time. Denilson thumped a 30-yard effort which Bolat could only help into the net.

Theo Walcott, Mikael Silvestre and Tomas Rosicky were all introduced in the second half but chances were few and far between.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men with four minutes to go when Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez was dismissed for headbutting Cesc Fabregas.