Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was left marvelling at a brilliant display from his side against AZ Alkmaar.
The Gunners are on the cusp of qualifying for the Champions League last-16 and only needs one point from their last two matches to be sure to leave the group after a 4-1 win at the Emirates Stadium, writes Stewart Coggin.
Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri sent Arsenal 2-0 up at halftime. Fabregas added a second and Abou Diaby made it 4-0 before late consolation Jeremain Lens.
"It was a brilliant performance because we dominated the technical, tactical and generally never felt under threat," said Wenger. "We played with confidence, technically skilled, and overall I'm very happy."
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Wenger was particularly impressed with Andrei Arshavin, Russia establishing three of the goals of Arsenal: "Arshavin was excellent because he gave the ball every time in the split second I wanted to give the ball. That is top, top quality .
It was suggested that by 2009 the two big money signings and Thomas Vermaelen Arshavin were the missing ingredients in the Arsenal team, and Wenger agreed.
"Our policy is to develop our own players and add players of special quality and Vermaelen and Arshavin are two good examples," he added. "Contrary to what people say I'm not afraid to spend money, but we want to buy the players that have the quality needed to become stronger.
"We just have players here who can play and pass the ball, and punctuation. Arshavin could be a decisive passer of the ball."
