Gunners news: Fenerbahce 0-3 Arsenal

Gunners put one foot in the group stages

Goals from Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud have put Arsene Wenger's men in a commanding position in the Champions League play-off ahead of next week's second leg

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Arsenal ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Wednesday night to put one foot in the group stages of the Champions League.

Second-half goals from Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and a penalty from Olivier Giroud made sure of the win, with the Gunners now firmly in the driving seat ahead of next week's second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger was forced into one change from the opening day of the Premier League season with injury to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ruling him out of the trip to Turkey.

Santi Cazorla replaced the England international with Lukas Podolski having to settle for a place on the bench.

Fenerbahce gave starts to new signings Bruno Alves and Michal Kadlec, while another new arrival Emmanuel Emenike was named as a substitute.

Having dominated the opening exchanges, Arsenal tested goalkeeper Volkan Demirel for the first time after 19 minutes.

Cazorla created the first opportunity for Walcott, his through-ball nearly finding the forward, but Demirel slid in well to intercept.

The loose ball fell to Tomas Rosicky and he delivered a perfect cross for Giroud but the striker’s header was just wide of goal.

Fenerbahce were struggling to get into the game and failed to test Wojciech Szczesny in the opening half.

Wenger's early season injury problems continued just after the half hour when Laurent Koscielny was forced off with a head injury.

The French defender clashed with Pierre Webo and had to be replaced by Carl Jenkinson.

The hosts began the second half at a much higher tempo but fell behind six minutes in as Gibbs scored a crucial away goal.

Just after the hour, Arsenal doubled their lead thanks to Ramsey.

He received a pass from Jack Wilshere 35 yards from goal and moved at pace towards the Fenerbahce defence. As he reached the penalty area, Ramsey fired a low shot into the bottom corner, although Demirel should have done better.

The victory was secured with 14 minutes to play as Kadlec brought down Walcott inside the penalty area. Giroud made no mistake from the spot, sending Demirel the wrong way to complete a perfect night for Arsenal.