Arsenal are through to the group stage proper of the Champions League after defeating Besiktas 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Gunners, who drew 0-0 in Turkey last week, edged their rivals in the second leg of the play-off in London courtesy of a goal from summer signing Alexis Sanchez who opened his account for his new club.
Arsene Wenger's side endured a nervy end to the match after Sanchez's fellow new arrival Mathieu Debuchy was sent off for a second yellow card in the 75th minute but managed to get the job done in the end to set up a 17th successive season in Europe's premier club competition.
Arsenal hit the lead in stoppage time of the first half when Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere combined with the final result being a clinical finish from Sanchez.
However, the Gunners were wasteful throughout and should have put the result beyond doubt on a number of occasions but Sanchez, Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were all profligate when they really should have scored.
Debuchy's unfortunate sending off forced Wenger to replace Ozil with Calum Chambers in order to strengthen at the back and it ultimately led to a narrow victory for the Premier League side.
Arsenal will now go into Thursday's group stage draw alongside 31 other top sides in Europe.
UEFA Champions League play-off - second leg
Arsenal (ENG): 1 (Alexis Sanchex 45+1') Besiktas (TUR): 0
Red card:ARS - Mathieu Debuchy 75'
Emirates Stadium, London - 59,946
