Arsenal 4-0 FC Porto

FC Porto were brushed aside by a commanding Arsenal performance that left head coach Arsene Wenger smiling by the touchline such was the class and skill on display at the Emirates this evening.FC Porto visit a country that they have had no joy in when it comes to European competition. However, the Portuguese side will take solace from the solitary point that Arsenal took from Kyiv while they slipped three past Fenerbache's defence on the same evening a fortnight ago. Arsenal's weekend result against Hull City was also less than satisfactory, conceding twice after taking the lead against a newly promoted team is not the form of title contenders. But, on their day, Arsenal can hurt and punish their opposition. Arsene Wenger has stated his defensive unit lack height, and that plays into their visitors advantage. Bruno Alves carries a distinctive threat from set-pieces: at 6'3'' his aerial ability will need to be watched whenever the Dragões have a corner or free kick. Alves' defensive partner Rolando is 6'2'' and will also require a wary eye. However, on the whole, the majority of Porto's starting eleven are below 6'0'', so William Gallas and Kolo Toure may breathe a sigh of relief as long as Arsenal retain possession and do not give away needless corners. FIRST HALF The first half started slowly, but as the minutes rolled into double figures Arsenal began to pass the ball around with more ease and dominated possession. Theo Walcott looked lively with some highly-charged runs down the right flank and full-back Bacary Sagna overlapped admirably to give Arsenal added width on the right. At times though, Walcott's composure comes into question. His pace is undoubted, and he possesses enough skill on the ball to beat many a defensive man, but his decision-making still needs fine-tuning. For instance, one good darting sprint ended up with Theo running straight into the Porto defence. Walcott also had an early shot on goal where the angle was always against him and perhaps a cutback pass would have been the preferable option. That is not to detract anything from his turn of pace because he still managed to run rings around the Portuguese, but he is capable of so much more and when that day comes, defences the world over should be filled with trepidation. Gunners fans were treated to two well-worked first half goals. Dutch forward Robin van Persie rounded off a superb team move to open Arsenal's account. Emmanuel Adebayor nodded the ball onto Cesc Fabregas who played a one-two back to the Togolese striker who provided the assist for his strike partner. Van Persie eventually returned the favour when he whipped in a cross from a corner kick and Adebayor nodded a downward header that bounced high into the net and eluded Helton, the Porto goalkeeper. Porto had their chances: Lisandro had a great curving pop on target on the 25th minute but was denied when Manuel Almunia palmed the strike clear, and Rodriguez hit the crossbar when Porto counter attacked at pace. But, on the whole, the half belonged to Arsenal. SECOND HALF Words from the home side's dressing room would have been simply more of the same. And it did not take long after the break for the Gunners to extend their lead and Van Persie bagged his second brace of the season after pouncing on a loose ball and sending a toe poke into Helton's net. From then on, a bombardment arrived as Arsenal's pass and move opened the way for relentless swift and sexy attacking flair. Both Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor seeking to send balls into the box for their team-mates to drive in, but the score remained at three... for the time being. Rodriguez, one of the few shining lights for Porto's attack, had the opportunity to salvage some pride for the visitors as he embarked on a decent dribble and finished his surging run with a powerful shot on goal that did not dip enough to trouble Almunia. On the 70th minute substitute Nicklas Bendtner had his back to goal (inside the penalty area) and Freddy Guarin whacked away at the big Dane. The referee blew for the penalty Emmanuel Adebayor stepped up to the spot and duly converted as Helton went the wrong way and Ade did not even hesitate in kissing the badge to celebrate his fifth goal of the season. Carlos Vela - who replaced Samir Nasri - carried his Carling Cup form over to the European stage and left Wenger laughing his socks off on the bench as he skipped past three Porto defenders to set up Bendtner but the shot was eventually blocked. Should the Mexican wonderkid keep this sort of form up he will no doubt play his way into Arsene Wenger's regular first team plans. He is one exciting prospect. Two minutes from time Arsenal could have significantly added to their rout five minutes from time when some clever running from Bendtner led to Adebayor dragging his hat-trick chance wide. Moments later some more outstanding movement and assisting from Carlos Vela led to burgeoning cult hero Emmanuel Eboue striking the post. The home side finished the game on a high and responded perfectly to their weekend disappointment. Does this result, against a regular Champions League entrant and 2004 winner, add extra credence to the superiority and domination of the English sides? Line Ups Arsenal: Almunia - Sagna; Toure; Gallas; Clichy - Walcott; Denilson; Fabregas; Nasri - Van Persie; Adebayor. FC Porto: Helton - Benitez; Rolando; Alves; Sapunaru - Meireles; Fernando; Costa - Rodriguez; Guarin; Lisandro.