Wenger thrilled with Gunners

1:38pm Thursday 28th August 2008

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Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal passed a "big mental test" with a comprehensive 4-0 (6-0 aggregate) demolition of Steve McClaren's FC Twente to secure a place in the draw for the Champions League group stage.

The Gunners - who were already leading 2-0 from the first leg in Holland - went further ahead through Samir Nasri before captain William Gallas added a second just after the restart. Theo Walcott's effort and a late tap-in from Nicklas Bendtner ended the tie.

Wenger said: "We want to play with the best and to do that, we had to qualify for the group stage. It was a big mental test. The response was clear - togetherness, focus and efficiency."

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas was back in the starting XI following a hamstring problem.

Wenger said: "He brings calm and confidence to the side, and overall we had a good balance in the side.

"Cesc could have stayed on, he always wants to play, but he was probably more disappointed that they did not have a go at us."

Wenger also hailed the performance of Walcott, who would have done his international ambitions no harm at all with a sublime finish after a positive run.

"I have always said we have to be patient with him," observed the Arsenal manager. "I felt he can be decisive in any game against anybody, if we can get him in.

"He has improved his first touch and his link-up play, which was vital for his progression.

"But the way he finished his goal, you cannot teach that, he has that naturally."