GOALLESS GUNNERS SQUEAK
THROUGH
Arsenal secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League
after claiming a goalless draw away to FC Porto, to finish top of
Group G.
The Gunners' point in the Estadio do Dragao saw them claim top spot
ahead of their Portuguese opponents courtesy of a better head to
head between the sides. CSKA Moscow - beaten 3-2 at Hamburg -
finish third and drop into the UEFA Cup.
After a bright start, Porto had the first effort on target when
Ricardo Quaresma's free-kick picked out Pepe but the defender's
header looped over the bar.
Postiga and Pepe then both tried their luck as Porto stepped up the
pressure, while a rare Arsenal attack saw Mathieu Flamini's shot
deflected wide.
And the hosts continued where they left off after the break when
Quaresma's powerful shot beat Lehmann but rebounded to safety off a
post following Jorge Ciro Fucile's dangerous cut-back.
Cesc Fabregas then tried his luck with a 25-yard free-kick which
was comfortably saved by Helton da Silva.
Poor play from Djourou then let in Quaresma once again but his
25-yard strike beat Lehmann but again rebounded off the
woodwork.
Porto took their foot off the pedal in the last 15 minutes to the
displeasure of the home crowd but they were content to have secured
qualification in second place behind group winners
Arsenal
