The result could be seen as an indictment of the Champions League and how disappointingly predictable it has all become, but at least it gave us a boost after the weekend.
Manuel Almunia - 7 - A couple of good saves but has to thank Clichy for another clean sheet.
Bacary Sagna - 7 - Had more trouble trying to keep up with his own right winger than dealing with Porto's left one.
Kolo Toure - 6 - Poor marking from a corner could have cost us dear - again.
William Gallas - 7 - One superb sprint and interception in the first half underlined his strength as a defender - unfortunately those strengths - and more tellingly his weaknesses - are the same as those of his partner.
Gael Clichy - 7 - Great anticipation to clear off the line, but was a little too eager in the tackle and his final ball was often poor.
Theo Walcott - 8 - I'm beginning to feel sorry for Europe's left backs - a nightmare to deal with.
Denilson - 7 - Strong and steady in the centre.
Cesc Fabregas - 8 - Given space to play and made best use of it.
Samir Nasri - 8 - Already so important to the team, made a telling difference.
Emmanuel Adebayor - 7 - He will never win over all the fans - not even 30 goals last season did that - but showed signs of returning to that sort of form and of building a good relationship with…
Robin van Persie - 8 - There were suggestions we should sell him after the Hull debacle. The people saying this are imbeciles - a class act and vital to the team.
Substitutes:
Nicklas Bendtner - 7 - A real threat
Carlos Vela - 6 - Enjoyed himself
Emmanuel Eboue - 4 - Great comic value