Arsenal 4 - 0 FC Twente: Rampant Arsenal humble McClaren

Published on Thursday 28 August 2008 00:30

ARSENAL cruised into the group stages of the Champions League with an emphatic victory over FC Twente making for a miserable return to English soil for Steve McClaren.

The former England coach saw his Dutch side ripped apart by Arsne Wenger's impressive outfit.

The Gunners impressed from kick-off and it was no surprise when they went ahead through the 12million French winger Samir Nasri on 27 minutes, his shot taking a slight deflection.

The hosts doubled their lead after 52 minutes. The ball dropped to Nicklas Bendtner on the left side of the area and he cut inside before firing in a low shot, which the Twente keeper could only push back into the path of William Gallas – who slotted home from close range. It was 3-0 soon after when Theo Walcott scampered clear and produced a cool finish into the bottom right corner and Bendtner completed the rout with a minute left.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Walcott, Fabregas (Song Billong 68), Denilson, Nasri (Eboue 46), Van Persie (Adebayor 65), Bendtner. Subs not used: Fabianski, Toure, Vela, Ramsey,

FC Twente: Mihailov, Wielaert, Tiote, Franco, Braafheid (Rajkovic 87), Denneboom, Heubach (Wellenberg 46), Brama, Janssen, Elia, Huysegems. Subs not used: Paauwe, Zomer, Gerritsen, Chery, Reimerink,

Referee: Terje Hauge (Norway)