Henry header helps Barca to battling victory over Xerez

A Thierry Henry header shortly after the restart set Barcelona up for a valuable victory over struggling Xerez to maintain their charge at the top of the table.
After the clasico win on Sunday it was crucial that the Barca players kept their feet on the ground for what appeared on paper to be a relatively straight forward clash against Xerez but as the rain came down coupled with poor pitch, it was soon clear that it was not going to be an easy match.
Pep Guardiola chose to rest several key players including Messi, Ibrahimovic, Iniesta and Puyol and while Barca did make hard work of their task they did get the crucial breakthrough after half-time with Henry heading home a cross from Maxwell. The goal will be an important confidence booster for Henry who has not been in good form of late, and was especially disappointing in the game against Real Madrid.
In midfield Seydou Keita was Barcelona’s best player while Yaya Toure given a rare start alongside him produced a typical powerful display but at times looked like he was trying too hard to impress.
Midway through the second half Messi was brought on and then later Ibrahimovic was also added and the pair combined for Barcelona’s second. Messi slipped the ball through for the Swede who delightfully lobbed the ball over the keeper to ensure the win.