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Arsenal sail through to Champions League group stage

27/08/2008

Arsenal provided FC Twente manager Steve McClaren a torrid return to English shores after cruising through to the group stages of the Champions League with a comfortable win over the Dutch side.

The Gunners led the tie 2-0 after the first leg and completed a 6-0 win on aggregate with a 4-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.

Frenchman Samir Nasri scored in the first half while compatriot Williams Gallas doubled the home side's advantage at the start of the second period before Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner capped the performance.

Arsenal always looked to have too much for their Dutch opponents, whose ability could not match their work-rate, and they created a host of chances.

Johan Djourou threatened early on but his shot went wide of the mark. Cesc Fabregas then found Robin van Persie in space but his shot was too high.

The Gunners eventually found their range midway though the first half. Walcott broke down the right flank and crossed a deep ball to Nasri who dummied twice before placing the ball into the net.

It should have been 2-0 at the break but Bendtner and van Persie both took too much time to shoot in the box and saw chances go begging.

Gallas' strike in the second half was reward for the centre-back's adventure. He broke through the middle of the pitch, was tackled, but the ball broke to Bendtner. The Dane's shot was saved but Gallas, who had continued his run, was able to tap home the rebound.

If Gallas' goal lacked a little lustre the third strike more than made up for it as Walcott crowned the night for Arsene Wenger's men.

The England forward picked the ball up on the left flank and cut in decisively towards the Twente penalty box, then from 25 yards out curled a shot in to the top corner of Nicolay Mihailov's goal.

Finally with the match drawing to a close Denilson found Bendtner with a clever back-heel and the striker smashed the ball home.

The Gunners will now look forward to the main draw in Nyon, Switzerland tomorrow.