With a makeshift defence missing Gallas, Toure, and Sagna, I was not feeling that optimistic. Added to that we all know about Turkish fans creating hell for the opposition, and they were in good voice as the match kicked off. It was tepid stuff for the first 10 minutes, no warning of the explosion to come. Arsenal were pushing up high and living dangerously but Almunia was sweeping up everything in sight.

Then the party began, Fabregas unleashed the big man, who outpaced the Fener defence and coolly slotted home. It was a brilliant goal; I could not believe our good fortune. Before I had stopped celebrating Walcott was off scoring a similar but even better goal. Eleven minutes gone and two nil up, but I was still expecting a long hard night, we all know that Arsenal go flaky after scoring, and sure enough Silvestre did the honours on 19 minutes.

Time for the Jury to come in

Two one did not feel half as good as 2-0, I began to fear a Fener comeback. Arsenal were pushing up higher and higher and Fener coming in over the top. Almunia was magnificent, making saves and sweeping up. It is time the doubters realised that Almunia is a match winner, but it still felt a long night ahead.

 However all that changed when Diaby dribbled through the defence and sent in a great shot. Three-one up at half time.  Diaby was a revelation, and any doubts that Arsenal would be too defensive without RvP faded. Diaby received a standing ovation from the home crowd. RvP will have to fight for his place as Wenger now has more options.

Could Aragones in his half time team talk convince his team to exploit Arsenal's defensive frailty? They had scored once, why not score more? The question was answered within a few minutes of the second half commencing Song volleyed in for number four.

Hell Freezes Over

 Four - one, this was heaven, and hell went very quiet indeed. Now Arsenal really dominated and Fener heads dropped. The Gunners' defence had tightened up somewhat, but on 78 minutes fell for a sucker ball over the top that our keeper could do nothing about.

 

Ramsey toys with the opposition 

However Arsenals domination continued, and when Ramsey came on the Arsenal were just toying with the Turkish team. It was apt that the Welshman scored one more glorious goal to make it 5-2, but in truth the game had been over since Song's early second half goal.

This was fantastic stuff to watch, and it was uncompromising Wenger ball. Yes, the defence was fragile, partly because of the personnel, and partly because of the system. However, the high line that was the main cause of defensive frailty was also the cause of the incisive attacking. You could not have one without the other. Hopefully this will make this young team believe in itself and carry that confidence into the Premiership.

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