Key Incidents:
Goal (Arsenal) (39) – This was really a question of when rather than if. Eventually we made the break through. Lauren played the ball in which found Thierry. He hit a low shot which looked to be heading wide until it took a deflection which changed its course and ended up in the back of the net.
Goal (Arsenal) (53) – This goal was all about the through ball. Vieira made a superb pass to set Henry free, in just the right position – going away from the keeper but still with the goal in sight. Thierry duly finished off the move with a delightful left footed chip which gave the keeper no chance.
Goal (Arsenal) (85) – What a bit of luck! Having sent a tame free kick over the wall, Henry must have been heading back to the halfway line. Only to then see the keeper claim the ball before dropping it onto his leg and knocking it in. There has been some debate as to whether this was a Henry goal or a keeper own goal, but Thierry later confirmed that it's his goal, taking him to within eight of Wright's record.
Man Of The Match – Thierry Henry
Player Ratings
Jens Lehmann - 7 - Had not a save to make. Was well beaten by a Yakubu header with came back off the bar early on, but otherwise had a very quiet afternoon. He was more at risk of catching a chill rather than letting a goal in!
Gael Clichy - 7.5 - Another great display. His attacking ability is outstanding. With him playing with Cole down the left, I was surprised to see him take up the left back position for the second half, as his pace was really scaring their defence.
Pascal Cygan - N/A - Went off injured after just 24 minutes. No news yet as to the extent of that injury.
Philippe Senderos - 7.5 - He is growing with every game. Of course, we must acknowledge that the last two games have been quiet on the defensive front, but at his stage of development it's all about confidence and belief, and getting games under your belt, no matter how much you are involved, can do that.
Kolo Toure - 6.5 - Again he played at right back. He had a quiet game, but this was due to the lack of width on Pompey`s part rather than down to him personally. When he was moved into the middle he seemed slightly more comfortable, but still had very little to do.
Ashley Cole - 7 - He didn't look fully fit to me. He played a few nice balls, and tried to help out defensively, but he did look just a little bit short today.
Patrick Vieira - 7 - Good passing throughout the game, and made his presence known in the middle. With Pompey playing 5 across the middle for the majority of the game, it was always going to be tough, but his passing today helped us unlock them.
Mathieu Flamini - 7 What a player he is! Highly professional, and is a credit to the game in my view. No unsporting behaviour, just pure professionalism. What a breath of fresh air!
Cesc Fabregas - 6.5 - He played his part by getting his tackles in and playing the ball around. He provided an outlet on the right, but doesn't look comfortable there, which is understandable being as it's not his natural position.
Thierry Henry - 8.5 - Had a good attitude towards today's game - not once did I see those famous shoulders shrug. He seemed happy to play alongside Quincy, and was very supportive of the young striker. Scored the goals that won the game, and could now easily reach the goal scoring record before the seasons out.
Quincy - 7 - He seemed a little nervy, but with such a lot to live up to after his midweek performance that was always on the cards. Showed some nice tricks, but was largely ineffective today.
Subs:
Lauren - 6.5 - Slotted in at right back after Cygan's injury. Had very much the same game as Kolo was having up to the point where he moved into the middle.
Robin Van Persie – 6 - Scored a great goal. If it hadn't been for the technicality of an offside flag it would have been one fro the photo album!
Freddie Ljungberg - 6.5 - Rested today with Munich in mind. Came on and played some nice football, but it was a quiet end to the game, and he didn't look like he was going to stress himself.