Porto 2 Arsenal 0:Arsene Wenger's youngsters failed to sparkle yet again as Porto secured top spot in Group G. The Gunners — who fielded a much-changed team — were undone by goals either side of the break by Bruno Alves and Lisandro.

Wenger's men were already through to the last 16 but will now face one of the other group winners and play the second leg away.

Emmanuel Eboue was handed the chance to silence his critics, the Ivory Coast international slotted in at right back as Arsene Wenger was forced to change his team around in the light of fitness concerns to key men like captain Cesc Fabregas.

William Gallas returned to defence following injury and fit-again midfielder Abou Diaby was also back in the side.

Eboue had been jeered off when he was replaced towards the end of last week's Premier League game against Wigan, following some poor touches.

But the 25-year-old was given a warm welcome by the small travelling band of 1,500 or so Arsenal fans at the Estadio do Dragao, which was far from full.

The Gunners started brightly, Mexican teenager Carlos Vela drawing a foul out on the left. Denilson sent in a deep free-kick, which Diaby headed over.

At the other end, Eboue was penalised for running across Hulk as the striker charged towards the Arsenal penalty area.

The free-kick, some 25 yards out, was taken by Bruno Alves — and Manuel Almunia had to get down to his right to make a smart save.

The first real chance opened up for the visitors on 25 minutes when Nicklas Bendtner fed Aaron Ramsey on the right edge of the Porto box.

The young Welshman turned his marker and fired in a low shot, which Helton did well to push around the far post.

It was no surprise when the home side took the lead six minutes before the break.

A corner from the left was floated into the Arsenal box, and Bruno Alves arrived in front of Diaby at the far post to head past Almunia.

The visitors made no changes at the break and were soon further behind in the 54th minute.

Arsenal gave possession away in midfield, with Fernando picking up the ball and feeding it through to Lisandro Lopez at the edge of the box. The striker made no mistake, smashing his shot into the top right corner.