Andrei Arshavin inspires Arsenal to a thrashing

Arsenal 4 AZ Alkmaar 1. Inspired by a hat-trick of assists from Andrei Arshavin and a brace by Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal tore the Champions League Group H back-markers to shreds at the Emirates last night in a lop-sided clash that showcased all that is good about the London club and its footballing philosophy.

Arsene Wenger somewhat disingenuously professed himself clueless after this European masterclass in passing and finishing as to why he should ever need to bring in players, such is the glittering array of stars at his disposal. "We have certainly not had so many creative options before," he said. "This was without Nicklas Bendtner, Theo Walcott, Carlos Vela and Denilson while Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky did not start. That's why I was always amazed people told me to buy, buy, buy. For what?"

You can see his point. With Fabregas, Arshavin, Samir Nasri, Abou Diaby and Robin van Persie starting the game, and Aaron Ramsey, Eduardo and Rosicky all coming on as substitutes, Wenger's line-up always seemed likely to break the curse that Ronald Koeman's teams had previously held over the Gunners (not having lost against them with three different Dutch teams).

Sergio Romero in the AZ goal had a night to forget, displaying skittishness or else massive over-confidence when he gave away a free kick after calmly picked up a back pass while under no pressure. Robin van Persie wasn't able to make him pay on that occasion, but the goalkeeper had showed his weakness and form once Arsenal were in no mood to pussyfoot around.

Fabregas made the first incision after 25 minutes, set up on the edge of the penalty box after William Gallas had brought the ball forward. The Spaniard jinked past a defender before coolly slotting home inside Romero's near post, and could have made it two soon after when he got in a good header from a Kieran Gibbs cross. With just two minutes to go before the break Nasri, making his first European start since returning from a broken leg, ran on to a delightful pass from Arshavin and fired home.

Seven minutes into the second half, and Arshavin was again the provider as his laser-guided pass dissected the Alkmaar defence and saw Fabregas curl the ball past Romero. Wenger was able to take off his captain and leader of the line van Persie now and still see the move of the game lead to a glorious fourth goal.

An Eduardo backheel released Arshavin down the left, and the Russian's pace burned off any challenges. His pass to Diaby saw the Frenchman dink the ball beyond the AZ keeper. There was even time at the end of the game for a touch of Arsenal generosity, as Jeremain Lens ran through a half-hearted Gunners backline to put the ball past the previously under-employed Manuel Almunia.

The Arsenal boss was full of admiration for his Russian import after the game. "Arshavin was outstanding today. He gave the ball every time at the fraction of the second you wanted him to give it. That's top quality. He could be the missing ingredient," Wenger conceded. "He not only scores goals, but can create and pass as well."