ROBIN VAN PERSIE ensured Arsenal’s impressive start to the new season continued with a ninth straight win against a stubborn Steaua Bucharest to maintain their 100% Champions League record.

Steaua Bucharest 0 Arsenal 1

Middlesbrough 4 Steaua 2 (Middlesbrough win 4-3 on aggregate)

Shelbourne held Romanian champions to a scoreless draw in their Champions League second-round first-leg tie at Tolka Park.