Arsenal kept up their terriic run in Europe (and domestically for that matter) after a match which was all but over in the first 10 minutes.

Parlour started it after 5 minutes with an unstoppable 20 yard drive into the top corner, and 2 minutes later a great run and cross from Pires was knocked in by Lauren from near the spot.

Sparta got one back just before half time, Seaman conceding the penalty. But 5 minutes earlier Dixon had put the result beyond doubt, wisely following up Henry's free kick which the Sparta keeper spilled for him to whack home from a yard out.

Kanu, who once again seemed to have lost some of his magical touch, found it again in the second half when Henry burst to the goal-line and squared it to him. A beautifully casual touch with his left foot moved the ball sideways, bamboozling a couple of defenders, and he passed the ball inside the near post.

Sparta got another consolation goal (and a class one too), a couple of minutes into stoppage time.

This result means that we're through as group winners. Any thoughts of letting Shakhtar win next time to put Lazio out (come on, who hasn't thought about it?) were dispelled by Lazio's win over the Ukrainian outfit, which sees them through in second place and leaves Shakhtar and Sparta scrapping for a UEFA Cup spot.

Full report on match report page.