Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger saluted Thierry Henry as he became the club's latest centurion in their 4-0 demolition of Birmingham at St Andrews.

Henry struck twice to follow Dennis Bergkamp into the club's record books, reaching the milestone of his 100th goal in just 181 games.

Henry's double was the highlight of a sparkling team performance which moved Arsenal five points clear of Manchester United at the top of the English FA Premiership.

Wenger said: "Henry was exceptional today. For him and Dennis to both reach the 100-goal mark in the space of a week shows they are two exceptional strikers. The exception becomes the norm with him. I think he is a fantastic striker. He's only 25 and has played just three years in this position.

"But what I like about him is that he is not only a goalscorer, but also a team player who provides chances for other players as well."