Arsenal were the dominant team during their Champions League clash with Basel and the scoreline probably flatters the visitors.

It became apparent very early on that Basel were deadly on the break, with Hector Bellerin having to use his blistering pace to get back and prevent any danger within the fourth minute.

Arsenal weren’t without their chances early on, however, as Nacho Monreal (!) had a shot saved, closely followed by Theo Walcott’s headed goal, set up beautifully by a chipped cross from Alexis.

Basel were far from shy and retiring, however, as they continued to get corner after corner, with some going a bit too close for comfort.

Theo continued to be impossible for Basel to deal with and although we had a couple of failed attempts to get forward, the 27-year-old scored his second in the 25th minute. A brilliant team goal, which ended in a one-two with Alexis and a neat finish into the bottom left hand corner.

Not long after, we had two penalty claims waved away by the referee. As Martin Keown in the commentary box said: “He almost feels sorry for [Basel] now.”

In the 33rd minute, Alexis had a brilliant chance to get himself on the score sheet but the Basel keeper, despite having to kick the ball out of play under pressure just a minute earlier, saved it and it went out for a corner.

Three minutes later, it was Bellerin and then Ozil’s turn to have a shot as Arsenal tore the visitors apart going forward. Sadly for the hosts, both shots were saved.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/781211940282572800

Arsenal continued to absolutely dominate Basel with the Swiss team barely getting a look at the ball during the first half.

The second half started off with more of the same with Alexis and Alex Iwobi both getting forward and threatening the Basel goal.

In the 68th minute Alexis uncharacteristically missed a sitter thanks to a Theo cross – the England international was on fire.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/781224893685923840

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/781225141896409089

After Theo was taken off, the tempo slowed right down. Not because the quality changed but because we realised that we weren’t in any immediate danger.

We continued to attack, with Alexis having a few more goes on goal, but after the intensity of the first half, we realised we’d already secured the three points.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/781227566497665024

Basel looked lacklustre and shell-shocked. They were unable to mount a proper attack and, to be honest, looked as if they didn’t care by the end of the second half.

The win was professional, clinical and comfortable. Exactly what Arsenal fans are been pining for for years. Could this be the start of something beautiful? I sure hope so.