London  - Arsenal powered their way into the semi-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday with a 3-0 thrashing of injury-hit Villareal.

The handsome win - with goals from Theo Walcott, Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin Van Persie - takes the Gunners into the semis on a 4-1 aggregate.

This is the second time in three years that Arsenal have eliminated Villarreal. In 2006 they edged the "Yellow Submarine" out of the semi-finals on a tight 1-0 aggregate - then lost the final 2-1 to Barcelona.

This time Arsene Wenger's team will face holders Manchester United in the semis, as a result of United's tight 1-0 away to FC Porto in Wednesday's other quarter-final first leg.

Walcott put Arsenal on their way after just 10 minutes with a classy goal, racing on to a pass from Emmanuel Eboue, which was deftly flicked on by Cesc Fabregas, then beating Diego Lopez with a precise chip.

Villarreal looked short of ideas and energy in midfield because of the injury absence of key men Marcos Senna and Santi Cazorla. Walcott's early goal obliged them to come out of their shell - and leave gaps at the back.

In the 61st minute Van Persie exploited these gaps to set up Adebayor to make it 2-0.

Just seven minutes later - with the packed Emirates Stadium still celebrating the second goal - Walcott was pulled down in the box by Diego Godin, and Van Persie made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Midfielder Sebastian Eguren was sent off for his part in Villarreal's furious protests.

Arsenal understandably eased up in the final 20 minutes, having long since booked their place in the semi-finals. (dpa)