Wenger backs Uefa action after Henry's abuse from crowd

UEFA yesterday promised to investigate the missile-throwing and alleged racist chanting which marred Arsenal's impressive 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night. The incidents are likely to be addressed at next month's disciplinary committee meeting. The 10 October meeting was already scheduled to discuss racist abuse hurled by spectators in Valencia and Split at, respectively, players from Liverpool and Fulham.

Thierry Henry, who received the brunt of the abuse when taking a corner, said after the match that "coins, lighters and other stuff" had been thrown at him. He added: "I don't know whether you heard what they were saying or saw what they were doing. Obviously, I have two ears, but you didn't see me shout back. I was just waiting to take the corner-kicks."

The Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, added: "That sort of behaviour is terrible. We did not feel under threat, but there are always some crazy people in every crowd. It's up to Uefa to react and we have full confidence in them to do that."

Having had their ground closed two seasons ago following crowd violence, Eindhoven could be in serious trouble. Mike Lee, Uefa's spokesman, said: "There is an investigation under way and we take it as a serious matter. The venue director last night said there was evidence of racist abuse which we obviously totally condemn."

Though Arsenal, whose own fans were well-behaved, were upset by the incidents, it made the imperious nature of their victory even sweeter. In the euphoria of the moment Frank McLintock, the captain of the club's first Double-winning side, declared it Arsenal's best performance in 20 years. This may be hyperbolic. Had Mateja Kezman not scorned three clear first-half chances at 0-1 the result might have been different. Eindhoven also folded rather easily once Arsenal scored their second.

Many Arsenal fans would regard the Anfield victory which won the League title in 1989 as the club's finest performance. Other contenders would be the wins at Old Trafford and Anfield last year and, in Europe, the 1995 Cup-Winners' Cup semi-final at Sampdoria and the more recent draw at Barcelona with 10 men.

That said, Arsenal's first Continental win in 19 months was an impressive display, especially in the second half. It will have done much for Arsenal's confidence on the road. Pascal Cygan proved as impressive a replacement for Martin Keown as those who saw him for Lille against Manchester United last season anticipated. "Pascal did remarkably well," said Wenger. "He was calm and composed on the ball and that was very important to us."

To his left Ashley Cole, after an uncomfortable start, got to grips with Dennis Rommendahl just as he had done in the World Cup tie with Denmark in Niigata. In midfield, Patrick Vieira grew in stature while, in attack, Henry was superb. Dennis Bergkamp's presence was also important. While not as influential as in recent matches, he provided the attacking fulcrum they have previously lacked on their travels.

"They were clever enough to dominate us in every position, said Guus Hiddink, the PSV coach. He added: "They have the world-class players to make the final killing pass."

Arsenal's rout was one of a series of impressive results in the first fortnight of the Champions' League. Real Madrid have a 9-0 goal difference after two games including a 3-0 win away to Roma.

Milan have maximum points having won 4-0 at Deportivo La Coruña on Tuesday, just six days after Deportivo had won in Munich. So do Valencia, who followed up their comprehensive 2-0 defeat of Liverpool with a 3-0 win over Spartak in Moscow, and Barcelona who won in Turkey against Galatasaray. Juventus have served notice of their quality by putting five past Dynamo Kiev and Manchester United's victory in Leverkusen also deserves inclusion in such a list.

It is shaping up to be a vintage competition. Just so long as it is not remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Analysis, page 19