Get in there! Wenger enjoys the winner (PhilCole/Allsport)

Manager Arsene Wenger was full of praise for England goalkeeper David Seaman - who reeled off a series of outstanding saves in front of England assistant coach Tord Grip - and Thierry Henry, who headed the winner after 58 minutes.

Wenger said: 'Seaman's overall performance was great. For me he is still the No.1 in England and he showed that again here. Also, Henry did very well. He was always a threat with power and pace and looked much more confident in himself.

'I always expect Thierry to get goals like that when he's fully fit. He is over his ankle problem now.'

Wenger now believes his team can clinch their place in the quarter-finals at home.

Having had three wins out of three at Highbury in the first stage, they face Lyon and Spartak Moscow in successive home ties and Wenger said: 'The group is still wide open but we can decide who goes through along with Bayern Munich with our performances at home.

'Bayern won again tonight (1-0 against Spartak) and look like running away with first place but the second spot is still very open between the other three teams.

'Although we've won well against Lyon on their own ground we know they are a very good side away and we will have to be cautious against them at Highbury. I believe it will be another tough, tight game.'

Another big plus last night for Arsenal was the performance of left back Ashley Cole, who laid on Henry's goal. England coach Sven Goran Eriksson is bound to receive another positive report on the youngster from Grip.

Seaman made three exceptional saves, the best being an astonishing stop from Lyon's right midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo.

Fellow veteran Tony Adams, and Cole helped provide an impenetrable barrier when the French club were on top in the first half.

With Eriksson due to announce his squad for the February 28 friendly against Spain next week, Seaman looks a sure bet to be named as his country's No.1 goalkeeper once more.

As for Arsenal, a season that had looked in danger of sinking without trace is now very much afloat and the London club will still be fighting on two fronts if they can beat Chelsea at Highbury in the FA Cup on Sunday.