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Camden New Journal - by TOM FOOT
Published: 28 August 2008

Arsenal hit fab four to qualify

Fabregas returns to inspire Euro win

CESC Fabregas inspired Arsenal to a confidence-boosting trouncing of FC Twente at the Emirates last night (Wednesday).
The comfortable 4-0 win banished the memories of Saturday’s dismal display against Fulham and booked the Gunners a place among Europe’s elite in today’s Champions League draw.
Fabregas, starting his first competitive match since the European Championships final, dominated the midfield in a game that drew goals from Samir Nasri, William Gallas, Theo Walcott and Niklas Bendtner.
The Spaniard restored vision to a young midfield that has so far struggled to rediscover the scintillating form that lit-up the Premiership last season.
Manager Arsene Wenger said: “He brings time and confidence to the side and overall we had a good balance to the side.”
Breakneck runs from Walcott on the wing created a series of clear-cut chances for strike pairing Bendtner and Robin Van Persie. The Dutchman and the Dane, cumbersome throughout, missed a hatful before Nasri, nursing a stomach bug, gave the established pair a lesson in composure.
The French midfielder shaped to shoot on the edge of the box but, in textbook Arsenal fashion, dummied the oncoming defenders with a neat feint. His deflected finish was fortunate, but it was no more than Arsenal deserved and the tie was dead and buried.
Van Persie should have doubled the lead on 40 minutes after finding himself with time and space in the box. Like Nasri, he sent two defenders sprawling, with a Cruyff-like turn. But with the goal at his mercy he curled his shot wide of the post.
Gallas bundled one in shortly after half-time and it felt like an age before the inevitable third followed on 66 minutes. Theo Walcott, lively throughout, curled a side-footed drive around the keeper on 70 minutes. It was a classy finish enjoyed by the home fans.
Bendtner tapped home a fourth in stoppage time after Denilison found the Dane with a back-heel.

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