Flying start boosts Gunners’ confidence

PHILIPPE SENDEROS believes Arsenal’s best start to a Champions League campaign shows the current side are “growing up” as they refocus for an assault on domestic and European glory.

The Gunners made sure of first place in their group - and seeding for the knockout stages - after leaving it late to see off Swiss minnows FC Thun with a penalty from Robert Pires in Berne on Tuesday night.

It was a fifth straight win in this season’s competition for Arsene Wenger’s side, although the Gunners boss admitted the match would have been more competitive but for the first-half dismissal of Thun defender Armand Deumi.