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Dennis Bergkamp may have a fear of flying, but his presence helped Arsenal conquer their growing phobia of away games in the Champions League in commanding style at PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night. Gilberto Silva scored the second fastest goal in Champions League history after just 21 seconds before a second-half strike by Fredrik Ljungberg put the result beyond doubt. However there was still time for Thierry Henry to cap Arsenal's first European away win in 19 months in perfect fashion with a late double-strike. In doing so, the Gunners managed to score more twice as many goals in just 90 minutes as they had done in their six away games last season, which brought them a total of just one point. And it was the style in which they finally managed to repeat their record-breaking domestic form on the European stage away from Highbury which was so impressive as they sounded a clear message of intent in the Philips Stadion. This was an all-round team effort though, giving further credence to Arsene Wenger's belief that his side have the quality to win the tournament this season, as they navigated an important psychological hurdle. Bergkamp's availability for only the fourth time in an away Champions League tie was a huge lift and the Dutchman, for whom this group of manageable away trips by road, was almost custom-built, was a constant threat. However, the leadership of Patrick Vieira could also not be underestimated, with the Arsenal captain providing an immense presence in central midfield, leading by example alongside goalscorer Gilberto. Wenger believes his team's main problem last season in their away Champions League games was not making a confident enough start. Suffice to say that was not an issue in Eindhoven. For the smoke from the pre-match fireworks was still clouding the stadium when the Gunners seized the lead. Bergkamp, making his first European start away from Highbury in more than two years, set Henry away down the left before crossing to Gilberto, who had made an equally powerful burst to arrive unmarked in the penalty area. The Brazilian bundled the ball home from close range and, if that was beyond Wenger's wildest dreams, there was an added bonus two minutes later. PSV thought they had equalised only for Arnold Bruggink's 'goal' to be ruled out for handball, while another effort on target by Mateja Kezman was also disallowed due to offside. Kezman was enduring a frustrating evening at this stage, sending two diving headers wide of the target from good positions. And when the offside trap finally broke down on 23 minutes, David Seaman answered recent criticism in the best possible way with an excellent save with his legs from Kezman. There was an added problem for Arsenal when Martin Keown was stretchered off with an apparent hamstring problem after just nine minutes to be replaced by summer signing Pascal Cygan. However, the visitors were increasingly taking the sting out of their opponents' attacking threat, while Bergkamp floated dangerously, sending Henry clear again only for his next cross to be gathered by Ronald Waterreus. PSV boss Guus Hiddink, who led South Korea to the World Cup semi-finals, made a bold attacking move at half-time, bringing on the imaginatively named striker, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, for defender Kevin Hofland. The home side still remained vulnerable to the counter-attack, however, and only the reflexes of Waterreus saved them when Wiltord was left one-on-one with the keeper. Arsenal still dominated and after Henry had forced a neat save by Waterreus at his near post, Hiddink made his final substitution with 29 minutes still left. Vieira was nevertheless running the show, not only in intercepting countless breaks by PSV but choreographing the way his team kept possession long enough to establish control on the game. With Bergkamp equally impressive, Ljungberg's strike on 66 minutes ensured it was a case of mission accomplished for the Gunners. Lauren was this time the provider, although the Swede still had much work to do as set off towards goal. He even thought about crossing at one stage but, without any clear options, he took keeper Waterreus by surprise instead with a finish born of self-belief. Gilberto spurned a gilt-edged chance to extend Arsenal's lead even further moments later, while Bergkamp also came close himself. The Dutchman eventually departed with 11 minutes left but Arsenal's dominance continued and, just two minutes later, Henry had put the Gunners' 3-0 ahead by finishing with aplomb. Henry had still not finished there and, with just seconds remaining, the Frenchman made it 4-0 with another accomplished finish. For once, the Arsenal flight home will be one of celebration. It has been a long wait but, for Wednesday night at least, it seemed worth it. Teams: PSV Eindhoven: Waterreus, Bogelund, Bouma, Heintze (Lucius 61) , Hofland (Vennegoor of Heselink 46), Ooijer, van Bommel, Vogel (do Bonfim 27), Bruggink, Kezman, Rommedahl Subs Not Used: Rouwelaar, Faber, van der Schaaf, Robben, Booked: Ooijer (20) Arsenal: Seaman, Campbell, Cole, Keown (Cygan 9), Lauren, Ljungberg (Toure 85), Silva, Vieira, Bergkamp (Kanu 79), Henry and Wiltord Subs Not Used: Shaaban, Luzhny, Pennant, Jeffers Booked: Lauren (34) Goals: Silva (1), Ljungberg (66), Henry (81) and (90) Attendance: 24,000 Referee: Lubos Michel (Slovakia). |