Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal passed a "big mental test" by giving the perfect response to their critics with a comprehensive demolition of FC Twente to secure a place in today's draw for the Champions League group stage.
The Gunners - who were already leading 2-0 from the first leg in Holland - bounced back from a lacklustre display in the Premier League defeat at Fulham on Saturday to dominate the outclassed Dutch side from kick-off.
French winger Samir Nasri - who was sick at half-time and had to be replaced - put the home side ahead on 27 minutes, before captain William Gallas went some way to atone for his defensive error at Craven Cottage with a second which killed off the tie as a contest just after the restart.
The best, though, was yet to come when England hopeful Theo Walcott - watched by Fabio Capello - got the goal his all-action display merited with a late tap in from Nicklas Bendtner making it a miserable return home for former national-team head coach McClaren.
Arsenal, though, will now take a renewed confidence into the group stages for the 11th successive campaign.
Wenger said: "We want to play with the best and to do that, we had to qualify for the group stage. It was a big mental test.
"The response was clear - togetherness, focus and efficiency.
"The whole team was sharper and physically much better than on Saturday and that is why it made it easier."
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas was back in the starting XI following a hamstring problem.
Wenger said: "He brings calm and confidence to the side and overall we had a good balance in the side.
"Cesc could have stayed on, he always wants to play, but he was probably more disappointed that they did not have a go at us."
Wenger also hailed the performance of Walcott, who would have done his international ambitions no harm at all with a sublime finish after a positive run.
"I have always said we have to be patient with him", observed the Arsenal manager. "I felt he can be decisive in any game against anybody, if we can get him in.
"He has improved his first touch and his link-up play, which was vital for his progression.
"But the way he finished his goal, you cannot teach that, he has that naturally."
