Arsenal achieve their goal despite defeat

Arsenal may have shown little of the scintillating form of a week ago but, having done the hard work at Highbury, they gladly watched the game peter out after Thierry Henry had scored just after the hour.

Goals from the substitutes Victor and Ivan Perez sent Arsenal to defeat but could not prevent them progressing to the quarterfinals of this competition for the first time since 1971.

Deportivo's adventurous strategy left them vulnerable on the counter-attack, where the pace of Henry caused them trouble. The French striker could have put the tie beyond doubt in the 10th minute but, after rounding the goalkeeper Peter Kouba, his effort was hacked clear by Nourredine Naybet.

Although Deportivo pressed dangerously and almost incessantly, they could create little from open play, despite Arsenal being without four natural centre-backs. However, Oleg Luzhny looked increasingly assured and Ray Parlour worked tirelessly on the right of a midfield that featured Nigel Winterburn in an unaccustomed central role.

From set pieces, though, the home side caused havoc. When the Arsenal wall carelessly allowed a Turu Flores free-kick through, Seaman dived low to save.

Seaman, who had been rescued by a post in the 33rd minute from a Jaime free-kick, continued his outstanding display by denying the same player. And his opposite number had to be alert to stop Freddie Ljungberg's deflected shot as half-time approached.

But as the game continued goalless and Deportivo's slim hopes became ever slimmer, the competitive edge was blunted as Arsenal qualified to play Werder Bremen in the quarter-finals.

D CORUNA: Kouba, Scaloni, Ramis, Naybet, Manel, Flores, Mauro Silva, Jaime, Fernando (Ivan 80), Pauleta, Makaay (Victor 57). Subs not used: Pablo, Fran, Conceicao, Donato, Songo'o. Goals: Victor 69, Ivan 90.

ARSENAL: Seaman, Dixon, Luzhny, Petit, Silvinho, Parlour, Vieira, Winterburn (Vernazza 84), Ljungberg, Kanu (Malz 83), Henry (Suker 79). Subs not used: Overmars, Weston, Lincoln, Manninger. Booked: Henry, Dixon. Goals: Henry 63.

Referee: O Sarvan (Turkey).