Wilshere and Debuchy end goal droughts as Arsenal crush Bate Borisov

Trying to establish the expected goals in the Europa League is a mission, particularly on a night when so many goalscorers are completely unexpected. After last weekend’s flurry of repelled chances against Manchester United, Arsenal summoned goals from some unusual places against meek Bate Borisov. Notable celebrations were in order for Mathieu Debuchy, Jack Wilshere and Mohamed Elneny. Between them they had waited a combined seven and a half years for an Arsenal goal.

Considering Arsenal’s Europa League campaign began here with overcrowded bedlam, with an estimated 20,000 FC Köln fans swelling the numbers and contributing to a boisterous atmosphere, Group H tailed off gently in front of a half-full stadium. Just under 30,000 turned up – an interesting fraction less than the 54,648 tickets sold. Still, they came with an open mind and saw a pretty open Bate Borisov team which encouraged Arsenal to help themselves to six goals.

“No matter how many sit in the stand, you have to give them what they expect. You respect the decision of your fans, they knew we were top of the group anyway,” said Arsène Wenger, who was not too worried that the atmosphere was gentle. The nature of the scorers sprinkled a bit of magic dust on an otherwise only mildly significant occasion.

Debuchy’s moment came in the 11th minute when a clearance ricocheted his way. The right-back, whose fitness catastrophes mean he has made a meagre 13 appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal since joining them three and a half seasons ago, seized it. He lashed the ball across the face of goal and into the far corner of the net. Scoring in an inconsequential game would not mean a great deal to most players but Debuchy was elated.

Theo Walcott added a second after Danny Welbeck overcooked a run on goal, by bounding in to tuck the ball away neatly. The third warmed the souls of the supporters who bothered to come along to watch the B team. The crowd had been chanting for Wilshere to shoot, hoping for the homegrown boy to get a goal of his own. He jinked past his marker to thump in with a pearl of a finish.

Wilshere was involved in the fourth, with a raking pass to Walcott, whose cross was turned in by Denis Polyakov. The Bate defenders endured a torturous evening and Nemanja Milunovic bundled over Walcott for the umpteenth time for an Arsenal penalty. Olivier Giroud had to take it twice as for the first effort the referee might have been momentarily wondering if there were more people in the crowd or players encroaching. No bother to Giroud, who reset the ball and slammed it in again. Then Elneny, not renowned for the quality of his shooting, stunned the crowd with a sweetly struck effort. It wrapped up Wenger’s 700th win as Arsenal manager.

“I believe it was done in a stylish way,” he said. “The opposition is not exactly the level of the Premier League but you can only do your job. We did that in remarkable spirit.”

The Europa League has been the preserve of this experienced reserve team, plus a smattering of youngsters who have enjoyed their opportunities. It remains to be seen whether Wenger will keep it that way in the knockout rounds, where the competition will warm up. He will keep his options open. “I will adapt every time to the team we face. I just choose the team who I think can win the next game. It’s not difficult because this team can play against anybody.”