Gunners overhaul Porto
Henry strikes for Arsenal
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Tuesday, 26, Sep 2006 10:31
Arsenal kept on course for the next stage of the Champions League with a clinical 2-0 win over Portuguese side Porto to rise to the summit of Group C.
Thierry Henry and Alexander Helb's strikes either side of the break came as reward for steadily-increasing pressure on the team that lifted the trophy under Jose Mourinho in 2004.
When Kolo Toure nudged home from inside the six-yard box with just five minutes gone it seemed as if the home side were into a far earlier lead.
But the officials disallowed the goal, judging that the ball had crossed the by-line moments before Cesc Fabregas' neat pull-back found the inrushing Ivorian defender.
Despite fielding Henry as a sole striker, Arsene Wenger's tactics provided the Emirates Stadium crowd plenty of excitement early on as his midfielders enthusiastically joined the attack.
Robin van Persie and Tomas Rosicky both threatened with well-struck shots from range, before Porto regained their defensive composure and established a foothold in the match.
But while they stroked the ball elegantly around midfield, the visitors continued to look suspect at the back and Henry capitalised on 38 minutes.
The French striker, not previously noted for his ability in the air, scored his second headed goal in two games, leaping highest to convert an Emmanuel Eboue cross.
Helb benefited from Arsenal's French connection in scoring the second as Henry and William Gallas carved open the Porto defence to give him time and space for a composed finish.
From then on, Arsenal were content to play out the large part of the second half that remained, comfortable in their ability to contain any Porto comeback.
Only a late hamstring injury to the impressive Gallas could taint a very satisfying evening for the north London side.