ARSENAL have been portrayed as a club in crisis this season but they are now in the Champions League semifinal after sweeping past Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium.

Theo Walcott, Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie were on the scoresheet as Arsene Wenger’s youngsters defied their injury worries in defence to wrap up the tie within an hour.

The Spaniards had Sebastian Eguren dismissed, and the hosts were then able to conserve energy for their FA Cup clash against Chelsea.

If they win at Wembley there will be genuine hope of getting something out a season where many predicted them to slip out of the traditional top four in England.

Ahead of last night’s clash, Bacary Sagna was taken ill, meaning an entire back four was missing as Arsenal protected their slender awaygoals advantage.

Kolo Toure held together a defence that contained Emmanuel Eboue at right-back, Kieran Gibbs at left-back and inexperienced Lucasz Fabianski in goal.

Villarreal had Robert Pires stationed on the left flank, meaning it was Arsenal’s past versus the club’s future, as Walcott was raiding down the right.

It was a fascinating clash, with Walcott showing his ruthless side again when he netted the opener in the tenth minute. Cesc Fabregas’ flick allowed Walcott to run through on goal, with the England winger chipping home high over goalkeeper Diego Lopez.

No opponent got close enough to Van Persie on the hour mark and he sent through Adebayor, who took one touch before finishing past Lopez.

The third came from Van Persie’s penalty. Godin took Walcott’s legs and Eguran, who got a yellow in the first half, got another for dissent and then man-handled the referee. Van Persie fired in the spot-kick.