Manager Arsene Wenger was clearly proud of his young team after Arsenal beat AZ Alkmaar 4-1 at the Emirates.

Wenger's men defeated their Dutch opponents to leave them needing a point to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages.

Cesc Fabregas opened the scoring with a tame effort that beat goalkeeper Sergio Romero before Andrey Arshavin took centre stage, setting up Samir Nasri, Fabregas again and Abou Diaby.

Assessing the number of attacking options in his squad, Wenger said: "As many on the creative side? Certainly not. We had still Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott who are offensive players who are not available.

"Denilson, Eduardo, Rosicky did not start, that is why I was amazed when people said 'buy, buy, buy.' And Vela as well, I forgot him."

Wenger is on the brink of guiding Arsenal into the last 16 for the 10th time in a row.

"We are consistent," the Frenchman added.

"This season we look like we're getting stronger and stronger in each game. It's important to keep that attitude to progress, improve and play for each other more. Then we are allowed to believe in our future.

"We have quality and I believe in this team but it will be down to us to grow and be consistent."