Arsenal made it 2 wins from 2 in the Europa League (Picture: Getty)

Olivier Giroud scored his 100th goal for Arsenal as they enjoyed a youthful Gunners side enjoyed a relatively straightforward 4-2 Europa League win at BATE Borisov.

Theo Walcott also scored twice for Arsene Wenger’s side as they raced into a 3-0 lead inside the first 25 minutes, though the home side gave them something to think about as they twice pulled a goal back to reduce the deficit.

Still, Arsenal held on and will surely take a number of positives having rested some key players but still come away with three points from a potentially tricky long-haul European tie.

Star man – Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott had a good game with two first-half strikes (Picture: Getty)

Two fairly easy goals for him in the end, but Theo Walcott will be happy to keep knocking on Wenger’s door after a clinical performance tonight.

The pacey winger has been somewhat out of favour in the Premier League so far this season, but after showing some of the finest form of his career last year, he’s showing once again what he’s capable of.

With Danny Welbeck out injured, Walcott will surely sense his opportunity to get back into the first XI, and based on tonight, he’s looking fresh, focused and ready to make a more meaningful impact.

Failed to impress – Denis Scherbitskiy

Walcott punished an awful goalkeeping error for his second (Picture: Getty)

A bad night for the goalkeeper, who not only let in four, but who gifted the second to Walcott on a plate.

For some reason trying to play out from the back in a situation that didn’t call for it at all, Scherbitskiy’s sloppy ball out towards his defender was easily intercepted by the Arsenal attacker.

From then on, it was clear there was only one likely outcome, and indeed the 21-year-old could do nothing to prevent Walcott from doubling the visitors’ lead.

What surprised us – A bizarre penalty decision

Olivier Giroud took advantage of a strange penalty call (Picture: Getty)

A somewhat harsh decision on Borisov, with Shkodran Mustafi’s over-reaction seeming to convince the referee to give a penalty where there seemed no obvious foul.

It was unclear from replays if the decision was given for a slight tug on the German defender’s shirt, or for a stamp on his foot.

Either way, it was no surprise to then see Giroud step up and coolly put away the spot-kick, becoming the 19th player to score a century for Arsenal in the process.

What didn’t surprise us – Jack Wilshere getting back to his best

Jack Wilshere seems to be making progress back at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Perhaps it’s playing at a relatively low level in a low-pressure game that Arsenal dominated, but Jack Wilshere ran the show from midfield this evening.

Sent out on loan to Bournemouth last season, the England international’s future at the Emirates Stadium looked bleak, but he’s showing what he can do once again when able to keep up his fitness and when given the chance to get on the pitch.

It remains to be seen if the 25-year-old truly has what it takes to work his way into Wenger’s plans in bigger matches in the Premier League, but if handled correctly, he could finally overcome his problems and become a useful member of this squad.

One thing’s for sure, Wilshere shone in a more advanced role tonight and could benefit from playing further forward in a role that allows him to avoid the very worst tackles that come in in central midfield, whilst also showcasing his fine ability and creativity without having to do too much extra defensive work.

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