A comfortable win

ARSENAL 2-0 FENERBAHCE 
Ramsey 25' 72'
Att: 59,000

1st leg: completed in scintillating fashion. Time for the Gunners to see this tie out.

While this game could have been billed as a forgone conclusion, Arsene Wenger will have had his work cut out preparing his side for this game. Fenerbahce, current champions of the Turkish league, still posed a threat. What's more, Arsenal have, in recent years, been known to 'bottle it' at the final hurdle. I remained confident, however, and firmly believed the team would go about their business as usual. What's more, with the North London Derby on Sunday, it was vital that Arsenal put in a strong, positive performance.

There was a worrying number of empty seats in the Emirates leading up to kick-off. I myself did think about going to this one; at £50 a ticket I decided against it, especially with university around the corner. I would like to ask anyone who works in the Arsenal box office how they can even envisage charging so much for a qualifier; madness, if not completely stupid. The price of modern football, tsk tsk. All credit to the travelling Fenerbahce fans who certainly made their presence known in no uncertain terms.

Wenger fielded a relatively strong side as he aimed to firmly stronghold their place in this seasons's Champions League group stage for a 16th year in a row. The only changes from Saturday's side were in the form of Jack Wilshere, who was rested and replaced by Tomas Rosicky, and Nacho Monreal, who came in to replace Kieran Gibbs at left-back.

Fenerbahce started the quicker of the two in the opening exchanges. Arsene Wenger will have wanted his side to avoid any scares by keeping a clean sheet. Moussa Sow was in danger of sabotaging that in the 12th minute; had the Frenchman found a shot more quickly, it would have surely been 1-0.

Olivier Giroud had Arsenal's first clear-cut chance. After some intricate footwork from Santi Cazorla, the Frenchman was played in by Wilshere; his curled effort from outside the box went wide. It was enough to rouse the Arsenal fans, though, and it really showed how confident Giroud is at the moment.

Arsenal did score in the 25th minute. AARON RAMSEY finding the net after Walcott knocked the ball into his path 10 yards from goal. 4-0 on aggregate with 75 minutes still to play. His desire to get forward saw him rewarded with his second goal of the season. It could so easily have been 2-0 five minutes later had Giroud converted from Ramsey's through-ball.

Fenerbahce were not going to lie down, though. With half-time approaching, Emenike broke through on the left-wing and crashed a shot which Szczesny parried onto the post. Moments later, Raul Meireles fired a shot against the crossbar, but was ruled offside anyway. That was the closest the Turks came to scoring before half-time. For Arsenal, Giroud was gifted a big chance seconds before the break but could only blaze a shot high and wide.

The teams returned for the second-half, resuming a game of relatively slow pace thus far. That said, Podolski was eager in sprinting down the left flank to create a chance; so much so that the German pulled up feeling his hamstring. Naturally, at 4-0 up, Arsene Wenger refused to take any risks regarding a possible injury. Kieran Gibbs was brought on. Irritatingly, it looked like Podolski would miss Sunday's match. Yaya Sanogo was also given an opportunity on the hour mark, coming on to replace Olivier Giroud. Having only featured in dribs and drabs this season, the new signing will have wanted to take this opportunity.

In the 72nd minute, AARON RAMSEY scored again to make it 2-0 and 5-0 on aggregate. A crisp finish on the half-volley into the bottom right corner, converting a cross by Kieran Gibbs; a delightful goal. Now that Arsenal were comfortably in control, Wenger could give some youngsters a run-out. Ryo Miyaichi replaced Walcott shortly after Ramsey's goal.

The last embers of the game were slow burning. Jack Wilshere had a brief scare when he went down clutching his ankle. Having played a busy schedule (4 games in 10 days), plus an England qualifier approaching, it can be said Wilshere is feeling the strain somewhat. Arsene Wenger, not least Arsenal fans, do not want a repeat of the 18-month layoff that forced him out of the team. Thankfully, he carried on seemingly unscathed.

The game ended and Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League group stages. Who they will face will be decided on Thursday. For now, Arsenal fans can enjoy this moment. The next test will be Tottenham on Sunday. Will Bale still be wearing a Spurs shirt? Who cares.

Up the Gunners.