Nicklas Bendtner draws a blank as Arsenal down Nottingham Forest

Nicklas Bendtner, who joined Forest on a free transfer earlier this month, struggled to establish himself under Wenger in nine years at Arsenal and lined up for Forest against his old club, but it was Arsenal's new arrivals who shone.

Granit Xhaka rifled in the opener from distance in the 23rd minute while Lucas Perez converted a 60th minute penalty and a fine individual goal to double his haul.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain netted the fourth goal in stoppage time to progress to the fourth round.

Speaking after the match, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said of new boy Lucas: "Of course, a striker is always growing when he scores goals and I felt that he has shown tonight - I liked his second goal because it was not only technique but it was determination, to fight for the ball and finish.

"The part he played in the Oxlade-Chamberlain goal showed that he is an intelligent player."

He went on to say: "He’s [Lucas] quick, he’s determined, he uses well his left foot - a bit too much for my taste, and not enough his right foot, but overall he’s like all left-footed players."