Walcott brace guides Arsenal to 2-0 win over Basel

With Arsenal securing a 1-1 draw in France against major Group A rivals Paris-Saint Germain a fortnight ago, Parlour is now certain Wenger’s side are the favourites to qualify top of their group.

But we have seen Arsenal slip up before when we were supposed to win easily, last season for instance, and the boss clearly has this on his mind.

Sanchez, who came into the game with five goals in his last four games, turned provider when he darted clear, lofting an inviting cross towards the penalty spot for Walcott to crash a header past Tomas Vaclik.

But the Frenchman said: “My priority has always been this club, and until the end of this season I’m here and I’m completely focused on that”.

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal should have scored more than two goals in Wednesday’s victory over Basel.

Once again it was Sanchez and Walcott who put Basel to the sword, exchanging passes at dizzying speed.

Harry Kane, Spurs top scorer for the past two seasons, is expected to be out for at least another month after suffering ankle ligament damage against Sunderland on September 18 – although Son Heung-min’s stunning form has ensured they have not missed him as much as fans feared. Six minutes in and it looked like it could be a long night for Basel. As with a lot of the teams from smaller leagues Basel have a relaxed schedule which might be contributing to their form over the over worked English players. Arsenal need a win at home to get their Champions League campaign going after an opening draw against PSG.

Basel have been in superb form in the Swiss Super League this term, as they have won all of their opening nine matches of the season. Suchy was being run ragged by the Chilean.

They even threatened a couple of times after the break with Birkir Bjarnason, one of Iceland Euro 2016 heroes, curling a shot that Arsenal keeper David Ospina clawed over the bar.

The Icelandic global should have scored moments later when the ball came to him at the back post, but he skewed his shot over the bar. But now it’s up to him to keep up this level of performance and then he will play every week. Substitutes: Mohamed Elneny (for Iwobi) 6, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (for Walcott) 6, Kieran Gibbs (for Monreal) 6.Who’s up next? The ovation and the chants of “Theo, Theo” given to the No 14 as he walked off were further evidence of a summer well spent.