Antonio Di Natale deservedly levelled the tie in the first half having already had a goal disallowed.

But the Gunners, who have sold key midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in the last 10 days while suffering an indifferent start in the Premier League, stormed back thanks to goals from new captain Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott.

Di Natale had missed a somewhat harsh penalty against Thomas Vermaelen before Walcott's goal.

Lyon advanced to the group stage for the 12th straight season as a 1-1 draw in Russia gave them a 4-2 aggregate win over Rubin Kazan.

Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Rubin knew they needed two goals to advance but none was forthcoming in a tense first half.

Bibras Natkho finally struck 13 minutes from the end to give his side hope, but Bakari Kone headed home 10 minutes later to ensure Lyon's safe passage.

Benfica stormed to a 3-1 win over FC Twente giving them a 5-3 aggregate success.

After a goalless first half, Axel Witsel's double, sandwiching a strike from Luisao, put the Portuguese side firmly in control, meaning a late reply from Bryan Ruiz was academic.

Goals from Marek Bakos and Michal Duris ensured there were no mistakes for Viktoria Plzen, who qualified for the group stage for the first time as a 2-1 win over FC Copenhagen gave them a 5-2 aggregate victory.

Christian Bolanos put the visitors ahead in the first half but once the Czechs had levelled midway through the second period it was plain sailing.

BATE Borisov won 2-0 at Sturm Graz to see off the Austrians 3-1 on aggregate thanks to goals either side of half-time from Alyaksandr Valadzko and Marko Simic.