Arsenal 2-0 Basle: Gunners cruise to victory at the Emirates as Theo Walcott stars in Swiss roll

• Theo Walcott's header gave the Gunners early lead before doubling their advantage in 27th minute
• Arsene Wenger's side built on their impressive draw at Group A favourites Paris Saint-Germain  
• Gunners were without suspended striker Olivier Giroud and injured defender Francis Coquelin 

It took just seven minutes for Arsenal to shift into cruise control on Wednesday night. Even then, Basle couldn't get near them.

In this mood, not many could. If you thought Saturday's first-half annihilation of Chelsea was special, then watch a replay of this win over Basle.

Pace, power, solidity, work rate with a sprinkle of that trademark Arsenal pizazz. It was all in the pot here at the Emirates Stadium. In the end a brace from the rejuvenated Theo Walcott was enough to secure victory for the Gunners as they built on their impressive draw at Group A favourites Paris Saint Germain. 

Theo Walcott gives the Gunners the perfect start at the Emirates with a diving header to open the scoring 

Basle goalkeeper Tomas Vaclík is left rooted to the ground as Walcott's early goal puts Arsenal in the driving seat 

The in-form Gunners forward celebrates after his seventh minute strike seals a strong start for the home side in London 

Walcott seizes on Alexis Sanchez's intelligent through ball to double Arsenal's advantage in the 26th minute 

The 27-year-old's shot crashed in off the post to give the Gunners a fully deserved 2-0 lead heading towards the break 

Walcott celebrates with his team-mates as his clinical brace ensures the Londoners maintain their impressive recent form

But it should have been more, way more; Arsenal's wastefulness the only glitch in what was otherwise an excellent night's work

For years, Arsene Wenger's been telling anyone who wants to hear that this group of players are on the cusp of something special.

For years, they have let us all down. Maybe, just maybe, it is time for us to sit up and take notice.

This team's detractors will point to Wednesday night's opposition. And, of course, there's credence to that argument; Arsenal should be despatching teams of Basel's calibre – despite their excellent record against English clubs.

But it was the controlled nature of this display that resonated; a control that hasn't always been so apparent of recent Arsenal teams.

The significant team news saw David Ospina replace usual first choice keeper Petr Cech as Wenger followed through with his promise to play the Colombian in the Champions League, while Granit Xhaka replaced the injured Francis Coquelin as he went head-to head with brother Taulant, who lined up for Basel.

Arsenal's last Champions League campaign started in poor fashion, losing their first two games before scrapping through to the group stages on the final match-day.

Wenger could do without such drama this season. After this he is likely to get his wish.

For all intents and purposes, this encounter was done and dusted in seven minutes after a move that was incisive and clinical in equal measures.

Santi Cazorla, deep inside his own half, found Alexis Sanchez down the left flank with a quite exquisite pass.

The Chilean's first time cross was just as majestic; so too was Walcott's bullet header as he left Basle defender Eder Balanta trailing in his wake before giving Arsenal the lead.