At last the combination of Arsenals old and new that we've been missing. A cracking away win, full of Wenger's attacking philosophy but canny and safe at the back. A side capable of holding onto a 1-0 lead in the Champions League!

Silvinho was the star. In case anyone needed reminding after the excitement about Ashley Cole, the Brasilian came of age tonight. Not only a thoroughly capable defensive performance but an attacking threat for the full 90 minutes.

He linked up well with Robert Pires, already eclipsing Overmars in his workrate and consistent effectiveness. And it was Pires who made the run that created the space that Silvinho weaved his way into on the left hand side of the box on 33 minutes. As the keeper came out Silvinho chipped it gently over him, the ball bouncing agonisingly onto the far post and in just as a defender got back to clear.

The goal came a bit against the run of play, Sparta showing especially in the first half hour that they can pass the ball nicely and penetratingly. Truthfully, if they had a better striker out there things might have been different. So it has to be seen as a tremendous result.

But after the goal Arsenal had marginally the better of it, and cool heads all round brought them through the nervy last few minutes of Sparta pressure.

Lazio got a not-altogether-unexpected 3-0 win away to Shakhtar, who are our opponents at Highbury next Wednesday.

Full reports etc to follow.