Gunners too strong for Blades

Arsenal recorded their first Barclays Premiership victory at the Emirates Stadium as bottom club Sheffield United were beaten 3-0.

William Gallas scored his first goal since joining from Chelsea just after the hour, with Blades captain Phil Jagielka then putting through his own net and Thierry Henry heading a late third.

After a sluggish start to the new campaign, the Gunners look back on course following two straight league wins.

In the 14th minute Blades keeper Ian Bennett produced a brilliant stop to deny Henry.

Kolo Toure scampered away on the right and sent over a lofted pass to the far post. The Arsenal captain arrived on queue with a deft header back across goal - only for Bennett to deflect the ball to safety.

United thought they had scored towards the end of the first half when Mikele Leigertwood lashed in a stunning half-volley from the edge of the area. However, the whistle had already been blown because of dangerous play against Hulse.

Arsenal started the second half brightly, Toure flashing a shot just wide.

Then, on 52 minutes, Bennett produced another fine reaction save to tip over Freddie Ljungberg's header.

Finally, Arsenal got the breakthrough with 25 minutes left. Henry chipped the ball into the area for Cesc Fabregas, who in turn took one touch to tee-up Gallas - and the defender volleyed past Bennett.

The points were wrapped up on 69 minutes. Henry again weaved his way into the left side of the area and to the touchline, before cutting a pass back across goal. Jagielka took an almighty swing - but could only manage to spin the ball with the outside of his foot into the far corner. Henry made it 3-0 when he headed in Emmanuel Eboue's cross with nine minutes to go.