Arsenal v. Portsmouth 4-1 22/Aug/09

A positive difference in terms of goals for Wenger's men: ten goals scored, two received in two matches.
[Poto: Telegraph]



The Gunners kept with the high start today at the Grove, after vanishing Portsmouth four goals against one. The visitors looked as sharp as an elephant on ice-skates for long periods of the match. Whilst the Gunners tried to achieve the level of expectation of last week's Everton the resilience of their midifield soared above level with Abou Diaby scoring twice.
It was obvious that the luck was on Wenger's side and whilst the north Londoners dominance was apparent at times, so the fortuitous chances were evident. The home team were lucky enough to have not more than one goal since Gallas's tantrums and Almunia's defensive misattentions rose.

Kevin Palmer's veredict sums the Almunia situation very clear: "Portsmouth's sense of injustice covers up the reality that they were comprehensively outclassed by Arsenal. Wenger must ensure the old defensive lapses that hurt his side last season are not allowed to damage his hopes once again."

A massive week relies ahead; the "won" match against Celtic at home and then, another battle at Old Trafford next Saturday. The matches between Arsenal and United over the past two seasons have proved to be cardiac to say the least and this time it is up for the Gunners to prove their title credentials against the best team in England (so far!).







Arsenal's game did not start until the 18th minute when, after a great team play, Diaby finished top corner. In all fairness, it was more of a Cesc-Eduardo goal than the Frenchman's but goals like that, prove the value and hierarchy of the team as a whole. If there was a doubt about Arsenal's level and commitment to the beautiful style of football, four minutes later Diaby again scored after yet another perfect counter-attack. The home side easily and without trouble outclassed Pompey.
It was clear, with thirty minutes on the clock, that there was practically no opposition on the pitch, and that the Gunners' dominance was completely based on the treatment of clinically well-executed plays. James began to appear as a key factor of Portsmouth's intentions. And the trace of that ambitions came late in the first half; Kaboul headed past Almunia to hold a narrow and dim hope of equalising for Portsmouth.
In the extended repetition, the play looked rather dubious; Almunia apparently being knocked before Gallas, who was also tackled by the scorer. It was in this same fashion that Wenger's men easily conceaded against Everton last week, a defensive distraction that should be completely avoided.




[Photo: Daily Mail]



The gret news was the introduction of Ramsey in the second half. Far from being happy for the Welshman (well deserved by the way!) it was on an injury suspicion on Cesc. Aside that, the Gunners dominance did not drop, instead another goal from a set piece was scored by with the famous Gallas style: with some part of the body except the head or the foot. The options for attack were, again, overwhelming the opposition. Ramsey proved to be influential while the massive force of the fit Diaby was key for winning the match.
To note, there was a lack of attacking options provided by Gibbs; he could not (or did not) went as much as to cross in the other end as in previous matches. All in all, Portsmouth flashes and glimpses were diminished by Arsenal's defence and in one occasion it was obvious that William Gallas should have been sent off.
To finish on a high, Ramsey scored his first Premier League goal. Van Persie set him and, with the calm of a veteran, the Welshman finished at the near post of James. Some substitutions were made, and the absence of Wilshere was strange for many of the supporters as well as the commentators. It may have to do with the next U-20 tournament next September. In any case, Portsmouth substituted their best man (Jesus, the world is coming to an end! Since when is David James the best man of a match!) due to an injury problem. To add more woe Bedntner could have raised the tally to five but that was for another day.