Arsenal Champions League Player Ratings vs. Shakhtar Donetsk: 5-1

Arsenal all but secured a place in the final 16 of the UEFA Champions League with an emphatic, dominating 5-1 thrashing of Ukraine kings Shakhtar Donetsk. The Gunners were bolstered by the return of captain and midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas alongside boasting the crucial home ground advantage.

Arsene Wenger's men enjoyed heavy possession from the opening whistle and rarely allowed the Ukraine champions to attack the Arsenal goal. In a somewhat slow start, Alexandre Song broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when a keeping error from Andriy Pyatov off an Arsenal corner allowed the Cameroon midfielder to slot home a short range finish.

The chances stemmed but possession remained constant for the North London giants over the next 20 minutes before Samir Nasri emphatically scored three minutes prior to half time. The classy Frenchman neatly controlled Song's cross and fired home a powerful left foot striker just inside the box.

The goal effectively depleted Shakhtar which ensured Arsenal were able to counter, and 14 minutes after the break, Cesc Fabregas was able to mark his return with a goal after Johan Djourou had recklessly been pulled down from a free kick.

The game was then well out of Shakhtar's reach, and the Gunners began to gain severe momentum as two superb goals from Jack Wilshere and Marouane Chamakh scored respectively in the 66th and 69th minutes.

Eduardo Da Silva had a welcome return to the Emirates as the former striker was substituted on in the 63rd minute to a standing ovation. The Croatian sharpshooter infamously broke his leg from a horror challenge in February 2008 and sadly failed to regain form and confidence prompting his departure during the Summer.

However, Eduardo was able to impressively finish after a well worked move eight minutes from time which was greeted with a monumental cheer from the Arsenal crowd.

Player Ratings

Lukasz Fabianski (6.5): Rarely called upon but the Polishman did deliver when necessary. Furthemore could do nothing to prevent Eduardo's consolation effort late on.

Emmanuel Eboue (7): The Ivorian provided great energy in attack, propelling forward and adding an extra dimension. Able in attack without any great threat.

Sebastien Squillaci (6.5): The Frenchman endured a quiet night in which little bothered the former Seville defender.

Johan Djourou (6.5): The imposing Swiss was solid throughout the evening and looks to be returning to his former self.

Gael Clichy (6.5): Many expected Kieran Gibbs to start but the Frenchman started and neatly went about his work, contributing credibly in attack.

Alexandre Song (8.5): An outstanding evening from the Cameroon international. Made a number of interceptions and attack breaking tackles along with providing a strong presence in attack gathering not only an assist but a goal too.

Jack Wilshere (7.5): The English starlet began slowly but was always an effective threat with the ball. The young gun moved superbly and capped his night with an impressive goal. Does need to be wary of late challenges.

Samir Nasri (8): The French playmaker passed and moved well, conducting a number of attacks, including an inch perfect chip for Marouane Chamakh's goal. Showed brilliant balance and composure to slot home the second.

Cesc Fabregas (7.5): A little rusty but always looked dangerous with the ball alongside making some effective tackles. Scored a terrific penalty to kill the encounter for good.

Tomas Rosicky (7): Effective without setting the scene alight. Provided a pacey, tricky presence out wide along with a number of incisive passes.

Marouane Chamakh (7): Worked endlessly as the lone frontman but was clumsy on some poor touches. None the less contributed well and scored cheekily for Arsenal's fifth.

Substitutes

Denilson (6): Solid and tidy as the Samba star provided a fresh replacement for Fabregas.

Theo Walcott (N/A): Given a short cameo having just returned from injury.

Andrei Arshavin (N/A):