Further chances came and went, before Henry had put us three up thanks largely to a superbly timed and weighted pass from Flamini which sent his through giving him the chance to round the keeper and cooly slot home.
The fourth came from the spot, after Jose was fouled in the box. Henry stepped up and chipped in his second of the game.
As is so often the case with games such as this, the second half was a dull and dry affair, but the first halves entertainment was as good as I have seen this season.
Jens Lehmann (6) One stunning save from a Lua Lua effort was all he had to do.
Pascal Cygan (4) There is only one man who can spoil a 4-0 victory! His poor passing and movement were further highlighted with the rest of team playing fantasy football!
Sol Campbell (6) An easy display where he faced few challenges.
Kolo Toure (6) Kept the backline ticking.
Lauren (6) Played in some good crosses and provided the overlap throughout.
Jose Reyes (8) Two excellent displays in a week now, and lets hope that continues at Villa.
Mathieu Flamini (7) A fine performance and a marked improvement on some of his recent showings.
Gilberto (6) He was taken off injured in the second half, and early reports are suggesting a groin strain.
Robert Pires (6) Back on his favoured right wing. I can't believe the Pompey faithful were still giving him grief for the penalty incident – it was two years ago!!!
Dennis Bergkamp (7) Rolled back the years with a superb performance which had pace power and precision. Can't ask for much more.
Thierry Henry (7) Set up one a scored two says it all.
Subs:
Emmanuel Eboue (5) A few bursts forward could have led to more.
Cesc Fabregas (5) Like for like with Gilberto.