EYEWITNESS: ARSENAL 6 SPORTING BRAGA 0, Champions League group stages

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP H: ARSENAL 6 SPORTING BRAGA 0

EYEWITNESS REPORT from the EMIRATES STADIUM

By STEVE BARNETT

ANYONE who needs reminding as to why Arsenal refused to sell Cesc Fabregas in the summer should simply watch highlights of their last two games.

Barcelona did everything that they could to lure the Gunners' captain back to Spain, while Fabregas openly admitted his desire to return home. Usually when a player hints that he wants a move, fans demand the club cash in and find a replacement who actually wants to play for their team.

After all, no player is bigger than the club. But to his credit Arsene Wenger refused to let his prize-asset leave and instead trusted that Fabregas would display true professionalism and continue performing on the pitch.

The Arsenal manager is already being rewarded for encouraging the 23-year-old to stick to his contract. Fresh from setting up two goals in the Gunners' 4-1 victory over Bolton on Saturday, Fabregas put in another masterclass against SC Braga on Wednesday in the Champions League.

This time the Spaniard netted two goals, including a rare header, and two assists as Arsenal cruised to a scintillating 6-0 victory.

Although it is likely that Wenger has only delayed the inevitable, the benefits of keeping Fabregas - even if it is for just one more season - are immense. Maybe he will lead Arsenal to the Premier League title, or help them win the Champions League.

Or perhaps it will just give players like Jack Wilshere the chance to find their feet so they are ready to fill the void if and when he eventually does head home.

On Wednesday it took Fabregas just seven minutes to make his mark on the game when he played a defence-splitting pass to Marouane Chamakh, who was bundled over by Braga goalkeeper Felipe.

The Spaniard took the resulting spot kick, beating the Brazilian shot-stopper with pace. The inspirational Gunners' skipper then turned provider as he played a stunning pass to Andrey Arshavin, who beat the keeper at his near post. Chamakh scored the third when he latched on to Wilshere's cheeky back heel, a move the England international could well have picked up from Fabregas in training.

The Cesc Show continued with the midfielder adding the fourth early in the second half when he headed home Arshavin's cross. Substitue Carlos Vela came off the bench to bag a brace, adding the finishing touches to neat passes from Arshavin and Fabregas.

Arsenal: Almunia 6, Sagna 6, Koscielny 6, Squillaci 6, Clichy 6, Song 7, Nasri 6, Fabregas 9, Wilshere 8, Arshavin 7, Chamakh 7. Subs: Vela 7, Denilson 5, Eboue 6