Henry scored twice against the Blues

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has paid tribute to the "exceptional" Thierry Henry after the French striker scored his 100th goal for the club.

Henry scored twice in the Gunners' 4-0 victory over Birmingham at St Andrews on Sunday to bring up his century.

Wenger said: "Henry was exceptional today. I think he is a fantastic striker - the exception becomes the norm with him."

Henry moved to Highbury having played as a winger for France and Juventus, but Wenger converted him into a centre-forward.

It looks like our fluent game is coming back Arsene Wenger

"He's only 25 and has played just three years in this position," Wenger said.

"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."

The win moved the Gunners five points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Premiership and Wenger believes his side are rediscovering their best form.

"I enjoyed the team performance," Wenger said. "There was a good passing game and sharp movement.

"Maybe we were fortunate to score first and we suffered a few moments of anxiety with the long ball but we always looked in control.

"I am very pleased because it looks like our fluent game is coming back and that can only be good for us."

Dugarry will be a massive player for us and anyone who doubted him has certainly seen what he can do Steve Bruce

The performance of Christophe Dugarry, who made his debut for the Blues, was the only positive note for Birmingham manager Steve Bruce.

"Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say you are beaten by a better team," he said.

"It was obvious that we caught them when they were right on song.

"But we have to defend better than we did because at times they went through us far too easily.

"But Dugarry will be a massive player for us and anyone who doubted him has certainly seen what he can do.

"Let's be honest, he could have played in their team."