Auxerre 0 Arsenal 1
Arsenal produced a controlled display of patience, poise and persistence as they moved within touching distance of the Champions League second group stage tonight.
Having seized the lead on 47 minutes through Gilberto, only once did they even come close to allowing their third group win to slip by as they refused to relinquish their vice-like grip on the game.
In Gilberto and Patrick Vieira they had an imposing midfield bulwark, while Sol Campbell and Pascal Cygan were in commanding form behind them.
Indeed, while it has been Arsenal's strikers and wingers who have won most of the recent plaudits, it was entirely fitting that their defensive talents should receive the credit this time around.
There was the worrying sight of Thierry Henry going off injured with a suspected hamstring injury, especially at a time when Dennis Bergkamp is also out.
However, at least Arsenal now require just one more point to effectively make sure of their place in the second group stage.