Champions League Qualifier – Fenerbahce 0, Arsenal 3

Published: 22 August, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

THEO Walcott insists Arsenal will not take their foot off the gas despite ­­thumping Fenerbahce 3-0 last night (Wednesday) in Istanbul.

The England international, who set up the opening goal for Kieran Gibbs and won a penalty that was coolly dispatched by Olivier Giroud, described the victory as “nice and comfortable”.

But looking ahead to Tuesday’s return leg at the Emirates Stadium, Walcott warned their Turkish opponents that they could expect more of the same.

“We felt like if we kept on going at such a high intensity that we’d get a goal,” he said.

“In the end we managed to get three great goals and it’s a great result going to the Emirates.

“The game was nice and comfortable but we’ve still got to be professional on Tuesday – they’re going to want to come and make it up to their fans and we need to be ready for that.”

The Gunners took the lead early in the second half when Aaron Ramsey played a clever through-ball for Walcott, who picked out Gibbs at the back post as a surprising first ­goal­scorer.

Ramsey doubled the lead just after the hour mark when his 20-yard shot slipped past goalkeeper Volkan Demirel, before Giroud wrapped up the win from the spot following Michal Kadlec’s foul on Walcott.

Having dominated in the centre of the pitch, Ramsey said he was looking forward to the coming season.

“We didn’t have the ideal start to the season and we’ve been under a lot of criticism of late, so it was vital that we stayed switched on and got a great result. I’m feeling really confident at the moment, after a couple of difficult seasons I’m happy and feel like I’ve finally overcome my injuries.”