Gallas back for Arsenal ease through

William Gallas produced the perfect response to his critics as the captain of Arsenal booked their place in the side of the Champions League group stages with a rare goal on Wednesday to win 4-0 against FC Twente.

Gallas captaincy credentials had already been questioned after its merger against Birmingham last season, so when the France defender of evil gifted Fulham scored a shock victory on Saturday was, inevitably, the subject of some harsh words from fans and experts around type.

But Gallas headed for example, in the third qualifying round second leg against Twente. He was excellent in defence and scored with a second-half tap after Samir Nasri gave Arsenal the lead at the Emirates Stadium. Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner scored in the final stages to put Arsenal 6-0 to seal the victory total.

It was their strongest performance of the season and Arsène Wenger has the desire Gunners could play Steve McClaren's team every week. Wenger gave his players a rare dressing after the loss on Saturday and Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue appeared to pay the price as the trio were sent to the bank.

Cesc Fabregas, back from a hamstring injury, replaced Eboue for his first competitive appearance since helping Spain beat Germany in the Euro 2008 final in June. With Fabregas back and tie under control after the first stage, it was an ideal opportunity for the Gunners to start his season. After a weak start that began to rediscover some rhythm.

Robin van Persie Nicolay Mihaylov tested with a low free-kick before Johan Djourou poked average ample opportunity for close-range. Van Persie should have hit the target when the pure cut Fabregas gave the Dutch striker a clear sight of goal but his wild shot sailed over the bar.

Thump Wenger has its headquarters in frustration after the loss but was soon at his feet on holding a much more clinical finishing in 27 minutes. Nasri had no trouble settling in his post pre-season move from Marseilles France and the extreme, which scored on his debut against West Brom, gave another view of its potential.

Van Persie was the catalyst as he won possession on the edge of the penalty area Twente. His address was given Nasri, bad feet with two defenders before firing a sublime turn in a low shot which took a slight deflection past Mihaylov.

Fabregas from Arsenal turned deception, of course, so missing against Fulham. A perfectly weighted pass from Spanish Bendtner sent clear, only for the Danish striker tripping over their own feet while trying to shoot. Van Persie ido even worse when it somehow shot wide with the goal at his mercy after executing Walcott Unhinged the Dutch defence.

This was the first visit to Arsenal Middlesbrough McClaren from his team were beaten 7-0 at Highbury in 2006 and the former England coach was heading to another Thrashing. Gallas enjoyed his moment of redemption on 52 minutes when his rampaging deadline Bendtner. The forward's shot was blocked and recovered by Mihaylov Gallas to slot home.

Walcott received a reward for threatening the screen when exchanged passes with Bendtner and curled a low shot past Mihaylov in 66 minutes. Bendtner close range strike from Denilson's backheel on 89 minutes capped defeat. Perhaps Wenger hope to Thursday to draw for the lucrative group stages with a little more enthusiasm.