Here, over 30,000 Croatians created a noisy atmosphere and events on the pitch were equally unsettling as Zagreb's Brazilian duo of Eduardo and Etto combined well. The latter created the game's first real opportunity by squaring to Luka Modric, who brushed his shot wide of Manuel Almunia's left-hand post when well placed on the edge of the area.

Etto again breached the Arsenal defence before feeding Marijan Buljat, whose deft flick found Modric inside the area but his shot sailed narrowly wide. Modric was being afforded too much room and he went even closer with a 25-yard drive six minutes before half-time.

By the end of this first period Wenger was roaming his technical area in frustration at his side's inability to combat Dinamo's attacking threat. They sensed a shock and Arsenal greeted the half-time whistle with some relief.

But Zagreb remained on top. Buljat delivered a precise cross for Jasmin Agic but the substitute was unable to direct his header on target, despite being unmarked on the penalty spot. Eduardo was next to threaten, the lone striker racing past Johan Djourou before hammering a left-footed shot just beyond Almunia's right-hand post.

The buoyant Zagreb supporters lit red flares but, with the game failing to match the excitement in the stands, it appeared that Arsenal would be satisfied to return home with a draw and complete the job at the Emirates Stadium.

That, however, was a smokescreen. In the 63rd minute Fábregas moved on to Van Persie's neat touch to send a crisp volley past Ivan Turina from the right of the area. After being mobbed by his team-mates, the 19-year-old Spaniard raced to the bench to accept the plaudits on his 100th Arsenal appearance.

Before Zagreb could regain composure, Arsenal were two goals in front. Sixty seconds later Alexander Hleb's floated long ball found Van Persie racing down the left flank and, before Matio Cvitanovic had time to react, the Dutchman planted a crisp drive beyond Turina's grasp. It was harsh on the home side and they never recovered from the double blow.