Source: PA
Gunners shrug off sorry Shakhtar
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas returned from injury to help the Gunners all but secure their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 5-1 romp against Group H rivals Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Ukrainians had brought an impressive record to Emirates Stadium, defending a 100% return so far in Europe, not to mention 15 wins from 17 games at home.
However, the hosts made them look ordinary, barely getting out of second gear as Alex Song was gifted an early goal following a terrible fumble by Shakhtar keeper Andrei Pyatov.
In-form winger Samir Nasri smashed home his second goal in three days to make it 2-0 before the break, with Fabregas' spot-kick ending the game as a contest on the hour mark while Jack Wilshere and Marouane Chamakh completed the rout.
Croatia striker Eduardo, sold during the summer, netted a fine consolation goal on the return to his former club with seven minutes left, which brought a round of applause from the home fans.
Arsenal now head out to Donetsk in a fortnight knowing a point from their remaining three matches, one at home, would probably secure a top-two finish.
