Sparta Prague v Arsenal - Player Ratings

Having been forced into action earlier than expected after Reyes became the latest player to pick up an injury, I feared he may not be able to get into the game all that easily. Little did I know that a wonder goal was just around the corner. Toure played a long ball through. Henry took the ball down with an exquisite first touch before curling the ball with the outside of his foot into the far corner leaving the keeper with no chance. His second came after a superb ball from Pires found him in space inside the Prague area, and having taken his time and eluded his man he calmly put the ball home to give him the official status of "King of Highbury"

I must admit that I was slightly gutted to have been at home when the record was broken, and by his own admittance he would have preferred to break the record at Highbury, but whether you were there or not it was a special moment, and one that will live long in the memory of Gooners everywhere.

As for the team performance, we started brightly and once we had our goal we were always looking good for the win as Prague rarely threatened. We lacked a spark in the second half until the second goal, and it was all plain sailing from there on in. Another three points in Europe continues our 100% start and hopefully we can now carry this form over into the league, starting with Manchester City on Saturday.

Jens Lehmann (7) Made a smart save early on, but was otherwise untroubled throughout.

Gael Clichy (6) He made a nervy start, but grew in confidence as the game went on.

Pascal Cygan (6) Where was Senderos? Luckily it was of no matter as Pascal turned in a decent display, although some of his positioning was suspect.

Kolo Toure (8) Full of running, and made some good interceptions to break up what little Sparta pressure there was.

Lauren (7) Showed good awareness with his passing and had no trouble with his defending.

Robert Pires (6) A far better display than against West Brom. While he still left Clichy exposed, there was a marked improvement in his attacking play culminating in a sublime assist for our second goal.

Gilberto (7) Had a brief spell as captain and used the ball well.

Mathieu Flamini (7) There seemed to be more than one of him on the pitch due to the amount of ground he covered. Exerted his force on the midfield and helped to keep us in control.

Cesc Fabregas (7) He continued his return to form with yet more good distribution.

Jose Reyes (N/A) Taken off with a broken rib just 15 minutes in, and faces three weeks on the sidelines.

Robin Van Persie (6) He struggled to get into the game as he was being moved between a centre forward role and a wide left role as we switched formations.

Subs:

Thierry Henry (9) What can I say that hasn't been said a hundred times before? His presence alone was an inspiration to the team and his two goals cemented his place in the history books.

Emmanuel Eboue (5) Got forward once or twice and played some nice passes.

Quincy (5) Good off the ball running, but hardly touched the ball.