WENGER'S STRIKER MYSTERY

Arsenal 4, FC Twente 0 (agg 6-0)

ARSENE WENGER won't have learned a great deal from Arsenal's thrashing of FC Twente.

He might have wondered why the shooting boots his strikers wore in destroying Steve McClaren's side were absent in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Fulham.

And how he must wish two of the four goals last night could have been scored at Craven Cottage to prevent a defeat which already leaves them chasing their top four rivals.

Progression to the group stages of the Champions League was achieved comfortably against their Dutch opponents and now the Gunners must kickstart their league campaign.

Success in Europe has been elusive under Wenger, even though he did take them to the Champions League final two years ago.

Now, if rumours are to be believed, they desperately need the money on offer in the competition to stave off a cash crisis brought about by the credit crunch.

Poor

A perceived lack of funds has surely prevented Wenger securing deals for even one out of Yaya Toure, Gareth Barry or Xavi Alonso as the Frenchman attempts to compensate for the losses in midfield of Alexandr Hleb, Mathieu Flamini and even Lassana Diarra last January.

Emmanuel Adebayor was dropped to the bench after an indifferent performance against Fulham but the profligacy of Nicklas Bendtner's generally poor display last night will surely re-open the door for the Togo striker to return against Newcastle on Saturday.

Theo Walcott was in outstanding form and he set up Samir Nasri for a composed finish after 27 minutes. William Gallas added a second in the 52nd minute, scrambling in after Bendtner's shot was saved.

Walcott slid in a solo effort after 66 minutes and Bendtner took advantage of a flick from Denilson to score from close range in the dying seconds.

The Gunners must now hope for a favourable draw in the group stages, which might enable them to ignite a Premier League title challenge without having to worry as much about facing formidable opponents in the Champions League.