Fabregas returns to lead way as Gunners thrash Donetsk

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 per cent return so far in Europe, not to mention 15 wins from 17 games at home.

However, Arsenal made them look ordinary, barely getting out of second gear as Alex Song was gifted an early goal following a terrible fumble by Shakhtar goalkeeper Andrei Pyatov – and Arsene Wenger's men never looked back.

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In-form winger Samir Nasri smashed home his second goal in three days to make it 2-0 before the break, with Fabregas's spot-kick ending the game as a contest on the hour 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.

"I wanted to have 60-70 minutes and at 3-0 it was time to come off," said Fabregas.

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"I didn't feel anything, it felt great. We thought it was better to start the game because mentally you are more ready and you warm up better. It felt fine."

Manager Wenger was also pleased with his captain's progress and said: "We were a bit cautious and apprehensive in the decision but the fact he got 60 minutes without injury is very good."

Arsenal have now scored 14 goals in winning their first three games in Group H, but Wenger added: "Let's not deduce too much, we have shown good quality but it is just the start, let's continue to improve.

Tottenham will be without new talisman Rafael van der Vaart and captain Ledley King for tonight's Champions League game with Inter Milan.

Summer signing van der Vaart serves a one-match ban following his sending-off in Spurs' last Group A outing against FC Twente, while King is out with a groin injury.