Johan Djourou needed to be alert to clear a low Jordan Henderson cross with Asamoah Gyan ready to pounce, while Phil Bardsley drilled narrowly wide from 20 yards.

BBC: Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland

Rio Ferdinand then had to be alert to deflect a Danny cross narrowly past the post, while at the other end a weak Carlos Tevez shot on 19 minutes was the best United could muster.

BBC: Man Utd 1-2 Zenit St Petersburg

And the Northern Irishman, a contender for player of the year, was alert to pounce on a suicidal cross-field pass by David Elebert to McLaughlin.

BBC: Rangers 1-0 Hamilton

First the Wolves stopper had to be alert when Danny Gabbidon nearly diverted an Arshavin cross into his own net, then Hennessey flung himself left to turn a Kerzhakov shot round the post.

BBC: Wales 1-3 Russia

Greenacre found himself in acres of space wide on the left and his cross sat up kindly for the alert Iwelumo to turn home.

BBC: Stoke see off Bournemouth

Brabin's side started the brightest and Torquay keeper Michael Poke had to be alert to keep Scott Rendell from converting Jai Reason's cross early on.

BBC: Cambridge Utd 0-2 Torquay

From the resulting free-kick Phillipe Brinquin whipped in a dangerous cross for Andrews to head goalward, but Hedman was alert again to tip the ball over the crossbar.

BBC: Celtic narrow gap