Walcott scored twice, Arsenal kept the top spot with a big win

The London team won 4-2 against BATE Borisov in Group H - Europa League.

Walcott celebrates after scoring. Photo: Reuters.

Goals: Ivanic 28', Gordeychuk 67' - Walcott 9', 22', Holding 25', Giroud penalty 49'

In the away match in Belarus, coach Wenger made nine changes compared to the starting lineup in the last match against West Brom. However, against an opponent of different level, Arsenal had a rather leisurely victory with the brilliance of Theo Walcott and midfielder known as "English patient" Jack Wilshere.

In his first start for Arsenal this season, Jack Wilshere made a strong impression with his delicate touches and quick, accurate passing. The 25-year-old midfielder passed the ball to Walcott, who hit the post early in the match. Just a few minutes later, Wilshere continued to assist with a cross from the left wing and this time Walcott could not miss with a close-range tap-in.

If Wilshere contributed greatly to Walcott in the first goal, the home team's goalkeeper was the one who effectively supported this striker in the goal that doubled the score. Goalkeeper Denis Scherbitski passed straight to Walcott's feet near the 16m50 box and the English striker did not miss the gift with a low shot into the far corner.

Center-back Rob Holding scores his first goal for Arsenal. Photo: Reuters.

The first half continued to be a lively affair with goals in a matter of minutes. After Walcott scored twice, Rob Holding added to Arsenal's lead with a close-range tap-in from a left-wing corner. The home side hit back with Mirko Ivanic reducing the deficit before half-time. BATE attacking midfielder Borisov headed a left-footed header past goalkeeper Ospina after running onto a cross from the right.

The second half opened with a controversial refereeing decision. Arsenal were awarded a penalty despite Vitali Gayduchik having little impact on Shkodran Mustafi as he received the free kick into the box. However, Olivier Giroud did not miss the chance to score from the 11-meter mark, marking his 100th goal for Arsenal.

The match ended with the home team's goal to reduce the score to 2-4. Mikhail Gordeychuk finished the rebound into the Arsenal net from close range after David Ospina parried Ivanic's header.

Arsenal's first away win of the season kept them top of Group H with six points. In the other game, FK Crvena Zvezda won 1-0 at Cologne to move up to second with four points.

Wilshere showed positive contributions when not injured. Photo: Reuters.

As well as the points, Arsenal have also been successful with their rotation. This was Walcott's first start of the season and he could have scored three or four goals if he had taken his chances. The same goes for Jack Wilshere, who has been plagued by injuries but has been very good when he has been in the starting line-up.

Young players like Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson on the wings, Joseph Willock in central midfield, all had commendable performances against a weak opponent like BATE Borisov.Two other young talents, Marcus McGuane and Edward Nketiah, were given their first appearances for Arsenal as substitutes in the final 10 minutes.

Arsenal will return to the Premier League to face Brighton & Hove Albion on October 1.

According to VNE