FREDDIE Ljungberg became the latest unlikely goal-scoring hero at Highbury as Arsenal continued their increasingly confident transformation into Champions League contenders.

Having edged their way past Sparta Prague and then produced a remarkable late comeback to beat Shakhtar Donetsk last week, this time their 2-0 victory was over far more dangerous opponents - Italian champions Lazio.

And without yet having reached top gear in the competition, the Gunners are now tantalisingly on the verge of the second group stage for the first time with nine points already to their name.

Maybe the return to Highbury is indeed the panacea to their Champions League ills, but it would seem that a growing maturity has been just as important in underpinning their progress this season.

Their European goals may have been coming from unlikely sources, with Silvinho scoring in Prague and Martin Keown hitting a dramatic late double against the Ukrainians.

But as winger Ljungberg this time scored his first goal since March and then quickly followed it with his second, there was no mistaking the creative mastermind at work - Dennis Bergkamp. The Dutchman may have taken his time to get into his stride this season amid talks over a new contract, but he was given a richly-deserved ovation when he was substituted with 11 minutes left. He set up Ljungberg for each of his two strikes against Lazio.

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