The score tells it all. The boys went out there, ready to put last Saturday’s defeat behind them, and they did. The goals, ironically, came from the two who were most criticized only days ago.


The table
Arsenal: 4
Porto: 3
Dynamo Kiev: 2
Fenerbahce: 1


The second half started with a bang with Van Persie making it 3. His first touch to get away from the defender was pure magic, then powered his way into the box and slotted it in with his left foot. Minutes later, Walcott is found by Toure in the penalty area but misses from close range. In the 59th minute, it’s Nasri’s turn to miss an incredible chance; Walcott outruns his defender, makes his way into the penalty area, crosses it to Nasri who fails to put it in from close range. One minute later, from long range, Nasri tries his luck again but his effort is deflected into a corner by Porto’s goalkeeper.

The next 10 minutes saw the Gunners going forward for more goals and creating something like 3 scoring opportunities. In the first, Adebayor meets Sagna’s cross but his volley is wide. In the 65th minute, Fabregas’ long-range effort is not blocked by Porto’s keeper Helton but Adebayor fails to take advantage. With Eboue and Bendtner in for Nasri and Van Persie, it was the Danish who immediately made an impact by winning a penalty which Adebayor scored, sending the keeper to the other side.

Two for the Dutchman, but can he keep it up?

For the last 20 minutes we were lucky enough to see some of the in-form Vela who came in for Walcott. He immediately produced a dazzling run, making his way through the Porto defence, serving Bendtner who failed to score. In the final minutes of the half, Adebayor missed a chance to make it a hat-trick and Eboue has an effort blocked on the line after a nice Bendtner-Vela move. These two can play together!

Overall, this was so much like the Blackburn win; brilliant in midfield and upfront but still questions are to be asked at the back. Porto could have scored two in the first half and hopefully this emphatic win won’t see Wenger and his staff overlook this problem. As for the rest, 10/10, but let’s not get carried away. Without taking anything away from our boys, this Porto side is very, very poor, especially at the back.

Player Ratings

Almunia: 8 – Excellent. When he was called in action, he was ready.
Clichy: 6,5 – Another very good match from the Frenchman.
Gallas and Toure: 6 – Can’t hide my disappoint at those two first half chances given to Porto.
Sagna: 6,5 – Pushed forward the way he knows to but was a little bit shaky in his defending duties.
Denilson: 5,5 – Maybe the only one who disappointed as he again fails to show the right confidence. Not shy to hit them from long range, sure, but a little tentative in midfield.
Nasri: 7,5 – Couldn’t ask more from him as he came back from injury – brilliant performance.
Walcott: 6,5 – Did his job well but should have scored.
Fabregas: 8 – Man of the match. His first half passes were pure delight to us fans.
Adebayor: 7,5 – Scored two, missed as much, but deserves credit for a very good match.
Van Persie: 8 – Finally, Robin. This is what we want from him, but in every single match!

(Subs)
Bendtner: 7 – Made an impact straight away and he’s growing in confidence.
Vela: 6,5 – You can see he’s good and in such a long season, having him ready to come in will be great.
Eboue: 5 – What the hell were those tricks he was trying to do?