Newcastle Utd 3 – 1 West Ham Utd

With 2 teams known for their attacking play this looked to be an entertaining match on paper and it wasn’t long before the action got underway.

The match had just kicked off when Steve Harper’s miss-hit clearance gave Newcastle an early scare. Carlton Cole with the resulting opportunity blazed wide from 10 yards out.

Almost immediately the home side were on the attack. N’Zogbia stormed down the left to provide a superb cross for Viduka at the near post, the big Australian steering his header home to make it 1-0 with only 2mins played.

Viduka really looked up for this one and was pivotal as his strength and control helped Newcastle to pin West Ham back for the opening 10mins or so. The visitors eventually had a good spell of their own but Newcastle’s defence was looking solid.

The Hammers were really taking the initiative with a quarter of the match gone, Noble’s driven effort forcing a good save from Harper on 26mins. They continually pushed and on 31mins they were deservedly level. Carlton Cole’s flick on found Ashton in a crowded penalty area for the striker to volley home from 6 yards.

West Ham continued to press forward with Etherington coming more into the game making some surging runs down the left. It was certainly against the run of play when, on 40mins, N’Zogbia again broke down the left to play a ball across the box for the onrushing Viduka to slide in for his, and Newcastle’s, second.

The second half saw Michael Owen replaced after his latest injury on 50mins by Obefeme Martins. Newcastle had the best of the opening chances with Rozenhal and Butt both having chances from outside the box.

The game was opening up on the hour with both teams taking turns to attack. Newcastle and West Ham seem very similar in their approach, preferring to get the ball down the flanks to cross for their target men. This only served to highlight both sides lack of guile in the centre of the park as neither side looked for the ball over the top despite having some pacey frontmen on display.

West Ham were really pushing for an equaliser with both Ashton and Bowyer having chances as Newcastle found it hard to maintain possession as the Hammers gradually got on top. Alderdyce, recognising this, withdrew Viduka on 73mins for (left back) Enrique.

But against the run of play , again, Newcastle got a goal on 75mins. This time Martins slid a ball along the 6 yard box for N’Zogbia to finish easily after some poor defending from West Ham.

The visitors continued to look for a goal and twice came close, on 79mins, as Ljunberg almost connected with a corner only for Camara to find the side netting when the ball came to him. From then on the Hammers looked resigned to defeat.

Martins did have a late chance on 87mins to further increase Newcastle’s lead but badly missed after rounding Green in the West Ham goal.

West Ham will feel they should’ve gotten something from this game having had the better of the play for long periods of the match only for some sloppy defending to be their comeuppance.

Man of the Match: Charles N’Zogbia – Scored one and set up 2, can’t really ask for more than that.

Des Bishop – Tongues - Vicar St. 15/09/2007

Having seen Des Bishop twice before I was both, looking forward to seeing him again; and hoping I wasn’t going to get the same routine.

Des began in a fairly workman-like fashion as is often the case with stand-ups who have a long slot to fill. He relied on some angry shouting to fill the comedy void at first before utilising a comedian’s “sure thing” in the form of a masturbation gag. Disappointingly he also reverted to a reprise of his favourite role, that of the Dublin heroin junkie, which (although he always pulls it off to humorous effect) I was rather hoping he’d moved on from.

Things were immediately dragged up to his usually high standard when he began the real topics of the show. First up was that of the Irish language which Des informed us he’d been learning for the past year. He played upon the hatred for the language instilled in the audience through 14 years of the education system, striking many a chord with our own experiences and prejudices.

His observations were spot-on as he skilfully poked fun at, but never quite detracted from, the quirky and often illogical nature of the beast. It was very much a case of preaching to the converted and the audience lapped it up (unless they were like one of my companions who happened to be educated abroad!)

The second part was a much longer and more cynical look at religion and specifically the catholic church. Having begun with a disclaimer explaining how he didn’t intend to offend, he oddly started with some very cheap shots of a very base level (calling a priest a paedophile isn’t exactly pushing the boundaries of modern comedy).

As with the first half though, he developed a more considered approach and the crux of the routine was far more satisfying. The climax of which, an analogy between an evangelical preacher’s seminar and a dj conducting a rave, was truly insightful.

The show petered out from there with some amusing auto-biographical tales which brought the performance to a more than acceptable end.

I think it would be fair to say that Des Bishop is more of a teller of funny stories than a genuinely funny man (as was shown with his treatment of a heckler where he lacked the fast witted nature to cope on his feet). His new material was meticulously arranged and rehearsed and it was this that contained the best moments of his performance and proves him, again, to be one of the best current stand ups.

End of Evangelion

Having been disappointed with the overly abstract and narrow focus of the ending to the TV series (see review below dated 13^th September 2007) I was pleased to be informed that an alternative ending existed in the form of this here movie.

Just to get some of the confusion regarding the various Evangelion films out of the way – Death and Rebirth also contains additional footage but nothing that isn’t included in the director’s cut of the TV series or EoE and really isn’t worth watching.

My main problem with the TV ending isn’t its confusingly surreal nature (which seems to be why most people find it so off-putting) but that it never concludes the main storyline. Much to my relief, EoE does this perfectly as it replaces the tangential episodes 25 and 26 with something far more in keeping with the quality of the rest of the show.

It’s hard to say much without giving away potentially massive spoilers but the tow extended episodes contains a finality to each of the characters journeys, large portions of insight into the intentions and motives of the concerned factions as well as some top notch Eva action.

Things, predictably, do turn surreal towards the end but the content is much more relevant to the plot; and although it is of a much grander scope than the original finale it is suitably shorter.

I know there are many who prefer the series ending but I really can’t see why. A claustrophobic and overly drawn-out psychoanalytical debate is fine as long as it brings together the main themes and plot issues to a satisfying conclusion but the type on offer at the end of the series is only suitable as a side story in my opinion.

End of Evangelion is the definitive climax to Neon Genesis Evangelion and is compulsory viewing for those who’ve watched the series.

Man City 1 – 0 Aston Villa

Villa began on the front foot, getting at City’s defence and causing problems for their new defensive pairing of Corluka and Richards. It took 9 minutes before City had any meaningful possession, the culmination of which was a long range effort from Corluka which he struck well enough but was well wide.

City’s defence was looking shakey from set-pieces and on 14mins there was real chaos in their box when Schmeichel flapped at a cross but Villa couldn’t capitalise.

The home sides’ attacking players got into gear soon after, Vassell getting on the end of a Petrov free kick but flicked his header wide on 16mins. Moments later Petrov himself was on the end of a move which saw him volley wide. Johnson was then put through by the masterful Elano but could only hit his shot straight at the onrushing Carson.

City’s spell of pressure was short lived though and Villa soon asserted themselves. On 20mins Schmeichel was again all over the place from a corner but again City’s luck held.

Villa’s best chance fell to Agbonlahor on 24mins when he got on the end of Carew’s flick on but couldn’t finish form the tight angle.

The first half finished an as an entertaining end-to-end affair without any real goal scoring opportunities.

The second half was only 3 minutes old when Johnson picked up the ball in the centre circle, played a one-two off Elano before charging into the box and unleashing a well placed shot past Carson to make it one nil.

Villa, who were the better side in the first half, pushed on for an equaliser with Carew, Agbonlahor and Young all getting half chances but failing to find the net. The game became stretched, as it did at the end of the first half, but it never really sparked into life as the rain became heavier with an hour gone.

On 72mins Schmeichel seemed determined to hand Villa a goal as again he was caught in no-mans-land only for the resulting goal to be disallowed for hand-ball. City began to get more conservative as the half drew on. On 82mins Elano was withdrawn for left back Michael Ball spelling the end of City’s attacking ambition.

But it was City who were to have the best of the remaining chances as Villa continued to look for an equaliser in vain. Johnson made another surging run into the box, on 86mins, only for 2 Villa defenders to block his shot. Bianchi, on as a late substitute, looked lively for City and in stoppage time almost got a goal as he rounded Carson only for Barry to get back and clear his shot.

Villa will be ruing their lack of precision in front of goal in a match they could easily have won against a Man City side which don’t quite look like a unit but who showed they have some very good players in the attacking third.

Man of the Match – Elano – the most creative player on the pitch by some distance

Portsmouth 0 – 0 Liverpool

It was a game Liverpool needed to win to convince the doubters regarding their position as genuine title contenders.

The away side started the stronger continually looking for the early ball to Peter Crouch. After just 3mins it looked to be a winning strategy as Benayoun got onto the target man’s flick on to strike a powerful shot at James’ near post only for the Portsmouth keeper to save.

Portsmouth, despite all their hussle and bussle, were wasteful in possession. Their two widemen looked, as indeed they were, like centre forwards playing out of position. Liverpool were on top with both Alonso, on 10mins, and Crouch, on 16mins, coming close as Voronin’s busy style had him in the middle of everything.

With a quarter of the game gone the home side looked to be getting a better grip on the game. They were using every opportunity to put high balls in to the box as it looked like their best route to goal thankls to some excellent hold-up play by Kanu. On 23mins he set up Benjani but his deflected shot was well saved by Reina.

On the half hour Arbeloa tugged at Kanu’s shirt in the box preventing him from reaching a cross and the result was a slightly harsh penalty. Reina once again added to his reputation as a penalty stopper, saving low to his right.

The reaming 15mins of the half was a scrappy affair. Despite it not being a particularly dirty match the number of free kicks didn’t help the game to flow. Their was plenty of muscle in midfield for both sides but not a lot of creativity.

The first chance of the second half fell to Utaka of Portsmouth, the ball finding its way to him 8 yards out only for his shot to fly wide. 2 minutes later, after a good move down the right for Liverpool, Voronin saw his lob coming off the bar with James beaten.

Utaka was starting to look more of a threat as he began tucking inside and getting on the end of some better passing from Pompey. Liverpool too were finding more room and were linking up better and around the hour mark the game became quite end to end. On 63mins Muntari should have done better as he latched on to a ball over the top only to see his lofted shot land on the roof of the net. Liverpools best effort came from Benayoun on 65mins but he flashed over form a free kick.

Benitez finally brought on the big guns in the shape of Torres and Gerrard and it didn’t take long for them to have an impact. On 69mins Gerrard put Torres through but from an awkward angle the Spaniard fired over.

The game continued to open up and on 74 mins Kanu set up Muntari but again he couldn’t hit the target form inside the box. Voronin too had a chance but he volleyed straight at James.

The home crowd really got behind Porstmouth in the closing stages as they looked for one last push but it was the visitors who had the better of the chances. On 85mins Voronin was inches away from converting Torres’ ball across the box and in injury time Benayoun got in behind the Pompey defence only for Campbell to make an excellent recovery tackle.

Overall though Liverpool weren’t overly convincing and failed to get at Portsmouth enough in a game that, but for some wasteful finishing, could have gone the home sides way.

Man of the Match: Kanu – Held the ball up brilliantly and was the fulcrum of all Portsmouth’s attacks.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

I’ve finally gotten around to seeing what all the fuss is about regarding what must be one of the most lauded anime in history. I decided to go for the 26 episode series over the compilation movies as I’ve been burnt badly by nastily edited composites in the past.

Being a big Godzilla fan, the opening scenes of an evacuated Japanese city awaiting the imminent arrival of a giant monster to its shores immediately struck a chord with me. So upon discovering this was to be a reoccurring event I was understandably chuffed.

The bleakness of the first 6 episodes is not due to the planet earth being repeatedly brought to the edge of destruction, as one might imagine, but rather the melancholy of the malcontent characters and this pretty much sets the tone for the series. The excellently animated action is particularly visceral, often disturbingly so, at times which adds a dark edge and gravity to proceedings.

We are given a brief, and I suppose necessary, comic respite in the following episodes with the introduction of the brash Asuka Langley as her brand of arrogance clashes with the other more dour souls to some humorous effect. Thankfully it wasn’t overplayed and we are soon returned to the hard-hitting action as the character is assimilated into the line up.

It does seem at a certain point that the series is in danger of becoming a “one trick pony” (as seen with many Shonen shows) as the formula of “detect incoming monster/evacuate city/send out Evangelion(s)/battle ensues”, although entirely enjoyable, becomes obvious. However, we are drawn away from action and into the intriguing politics and history behind the attacks more and more as the series develops.

The breadcrumbs of information regarding the troubled characters and their dark pasts are also revealed miserly and expertly as the plot progresses. The efforts they make to resolve their inner turmoil and shake off their skeletons becomes a prominent theme of the show. As the psychological insights become more profound themes akin to those of Ghost in the Shell come to the fore, with the duality of mind and spirit questioned and examined repeatedly.

These philosophical aspects along with the quasi-religious symbolism and references have given rise to many claiming Evangelion to be a Christian allegory or the like. In my opinion such symbolism is merely subterfuge and an attempt to give the content a pseudo extra level of depth (which it achieves brilliantly albeit via some smoke and mirrors)

The series comes to a tense and satisfying finale, both in terms of action and character exploration, whilst never wrapping up the loose ends. The character exposition witnessed in the Director’s Cut of the later episodes goes a long way to address some of the unanswered questions and in some of the most enjoyable scenes of the series.

The final two episodes are akin to an epilogue as they delve deep inside the psyche if the lead character disappointingly never to resurface. As such they don’t suffice as a conclusion to the show and feel like a “Director’s notes DVD extra”.
However there is an alternate ending in film format (suitably titled End of Evangelion) which may offer the catharsis required but as this is a review of the series I have to highlight my disappointment.

Overall though episodes 1-24 are fantastic and deserve, most of, the praise they receive. The complexity of the intertwining conspiracies and philosophies makes for a show which is definitely in need of repeated viewings.

Czech Republic 1 - 0 Rep. of Ireland

After a stop-start opening the Czechs took control as the Irish defence looked anything but solid. The 11^th minute saw Rosicky easily slip Sionko through only for him to drag his shot wide. 14mins in and the Czech’s had the lead. Jankulovsky eased passed the Irish defence, after a clever one-two, to hit the ball low and hard past Given.

Irelands response took the form of some badly hit set-pieces and a hit-and-hope shot from Kilbane. On 20min Sionko was in again only to miss-hit his shot wide as he stretched for the ball.

Ireland looked off the pace with the Czechs looking sharper in the tackle and crisper in the pass. However the home side failed to make us of their advantage in possession, seemingly satisfied to stifle with their 5-man midfield.

On 37min Stephen hunt was introduced for the injured John O’Shea and he immediately added some much needed tenacity to the Irish side. The 44^th minute saw Ireland have their first chance as Dunne put Kevin Doyle clear through but the Reading man’s shot hit the post. It was a largely frustrating half for the Irish they finished the stronger giving them some hope.

The second half had just begun when Andy Reid gave the ball away to Baros on the edge of the Irish box only for the Czech striker to blast wide. The Czechs continued to play conservatively, only committing men forward on the counter, as Ireland struggled to break them down.

On the hour the Greek referee, who had been niggly all evening, made Ireland’s task all the harder when he gave a straight red to Hunt for a tackle on Polak. Hunt and the rest of the Irish team were livid as he had clearly won the ball.

The loss of a man seemed to spur the Irish on as they began to paly their best football of the game. On 63min Andy Reid played Doyle in but his shot ran across the face of goal and wide with Shane Long almost getting on the end of it. Then on 70min Cech failed to get near a punted ball into the box and it came to McShane only for his shot to be blocked by Rozenhal.

The 78^th minute saw Ireland handed a possible lifeline when the referee awarded a dubious free-kick on the edge of the Czech box. Andy Reid wasted the opportunity, blasting the ball into the wall. Ireland were on top with the Czechs resorting to continual fouls.

Ireland went all out on 81min and threw on another forward, Keogh, in place of the tiring Carsley. On 87min their 3-3-3 formation almost cost them as the Czechs broke through some desperate tackling in midfield only for Dunne to come to the rescue, not for the first time, and deny Baros.

Kyros Vassaras continued his vein of shoddy refereeing by booking Jankulovsky for the second time only not to send the player off!

At the death, Kovac almost steered McShane’s shot into his own net as the Irish went for a last big push.

In the end Ireland gave it everything in the second half were unlucky not to get something from the game which all but puts to rest their chances of qualifing for the European Championships next summer.

FLCL

It’s hard to know what to make of FLCL. I don’t think I’ve watched anything with such an abundance of “WTF?” moments as any logic to the plot seems to be tacked on to suit the scene. FLCL aims to amuse for the most part with its completely off-the-wall humour and irreverence but it also has a more emotional side as it explores the strange relationships between Naoto (a 12 year old boy who is the only semi-sane character) and all of the bizarre people in his life.

It’s a crazy blend of genres that manages to both parody and innovate, often feeling like a mix between The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Paranoia Agent whilst other times having the tenderness of a Miyazaki scene. It can flash from over-the-top slapstick to giant mecha action then cut to romantic comedy leaving a helpless viewer trailing in its wake.

The visual style is equally eclectic, perhaps out of necessity, ranging from childlike and simplistic to pseudo 3D with beautiful lighting effects (as you would expect from Production IG) in what is, on the whole, a visually stunning piece of animation. The soundtrack is a more stable experience as the riff-tastic guitar pieces play almost throughout with the end credits being a particular highlight.

I could understand if some of the above sounds more than a little off-putting, and whilst it is true that FLCL can be a tad disorientating it hooks you in with its irrepressible charm and tongue-in-cheek wit. The characters are honest and instantly likeable and although the surreal predicaments they find themselves in might be hard to fathom you are heartened by the brief time (a mere 6 episodes) you spend in their company.

Slovakia 2 - 2 Rep. of Ireland

Ireland started brightly taking the game to Slovakia and getting numbers in advanced positions. After just 7mins they were ahead. Robbie Keane dummied Kilbane’s cross form the left to allow Stephen Ireland to finish calmly from close range.

Ireland appeared comfortable as not even the goal seemed to fire-up the Slovaks as their passing game never looked like coming together. However, as the half drew on Ireland’s casual approach allowed Slovakia to finally get into the game. As the Irish defence got deeper and deeper, the home side began creating chances with only some steady goalkeeping from Shay Given keeping Ireland’s lead intact.

The home crowd became increasingly louder as they sensed a goal and on 36mins they had one. Some sloppy defending from a corner allowed a near post flick-on to be nodded in at the far post by Klimpl. Stephen Kelly really should have done better on the post as he seemed to shrink as the ball went past him into the net.

Kelly’s team-mates weren’t doing much better as Stephen Ireland was hardly a presence in the centre and McGeady, on the right, consistently gave the ball away. Ireland were lucky to reach the interval all square as “Another Cyprus” looked on the cards.

Ireland began the better in the second as they looked more eager to get on with the task in hand. Their application, as opposed to genuinely creative play, payed off on 57mins as Kevin Doyle had the room to set himself up on the edge of the Slovak box to unleash a screamer into the top left-hand corner.

Ireland looked set to repeat their errors of the first half as almost immediately Slovakia had the Irish defence at sixes and sevens. A whipped in ball from the left saw Dunne, two yards out and facing his own goal, forced to clear a ball that could have gone anywhere.

The following passages of play saw Ireland starting to look more solid whilst still getting forward as Slovakia seemed to run out of steam. They were far from convincing towards the end as Dunne was repeatedly called on to perform heroics at the heart of the defence as Slovakia occasionally made something of their possession.

It was looking like Ireland had done just enough to nick the points when on 91mins the Slovaks got their equaliser. John O’Shea was slow to close down Cech as he came on to the ball to hit a sweet strike past Given. As with Kelly for the Slovak’s first goal, O’Shea seemed to wince at the task of blocking the ball in what summed up the lack of commitment from many of his colleagues.

Man of the Match: Richard Dunne – came to the rescue on several occasions and single-handedly prevented what could have been a much worse result

Movie Round Up #2

Recently viewed films:

Disturbia (2007/USA)
The demographic this hopes to appease is blatantly obvious from the start but even those raised on a diet of One Tree Hill and The OC would be left cold by the unlikely romance that dominates most of the film. The 30mins of suspense and action isn’t that bad but probably not good enough for you to sit through the rest.

Alien V Predator (2004/USA)
Any attempt at suspense and intrigue (arguably what made the original franchises so great) is forfeited in favour of pure fan-service as the plot unfolds from the point of view of all 3 groups of protagonists. What remains is every 13 year old boy’s dream of guns, explosions and special effects, make of that what you will!

The Messengers (2007/USA)
Above-average haunted house tale with distinctively Asian influences. Successfully maintains a good pace throughout with some genuinely creepy, if a little clichéd, moments. Let down by some occasionally hammy acting but otherwise quite enjoyable.

Premiership Round Up #1 - August

It’s hard to make a call on anything in the first month of the season. Pre-season preparations can have a team flying out of the traps, like Blackburn, or still looking far from match-sharp, see Spurs. Neither are any indicator of true quality but both can affect that highly sought commodity in sport – confidence. Confidence, read form, is temporary so again we are back to trying to glean something of note from August’s action.

A lot of teams have spent big money and some of that is certainly paying off. Liverpool’s £50m+ of acquisitions have finally afforded Sr. Benitez the luxury he has desired for so long – a good enough squad to allow him to dabble in the squad rotation he has long been derided over. Man City too are seeing the benefits of an overhaul and are now looking capable of a top ten finish for the first time in years (although whether all their foreign imports will be as up-for-it after they clear the snow off the pitches in January remains to be seen)

Again the fickle nature of football has shown itself as a couple of big spenders have failed to reap the benefits of their pricey additions. Man Utd may now have greater cover in the midfield but until the recent return of Saha from injury they have been deficient in the striking department and have suffered because of that. Spurs too have bought big but failed to impress on the pitch with Jol under increasing pressure. Fulham may have bought more players than anyone else but do they look any more stable than last years crop?

September should see teams solidify as regards their best elevens and formations and then we’ll be in a better place to judge how the season will shape up.

They Were 11

Initially I couldn’t get past the Star Trek vibe I was getting of it but I decided to ignore it (and leave it to some uber-Trekkie to compile a list of similarities and decide who ripped off who etc). The 80’s vibe is a harder one to ignore – the drab colours, sketchy animation and out-dated attitudes might be a bit of a turn off for some but having watched most of Gundam ZZ recently I was well acclimatised.

It was quite an easy watch on the whole largely due to the steady pace of proceeding (only broken by the John Hughes style comedy interval accompanied by equally painful 80s synth). The “who-dunnit” element was enjoyable without ever really producing any edge of the seat moments. Likewise the “twist” at the end was hardly earth-shattering.

I found Frol to quite irritating. How such a character could end up being an elite student is beyond me. Also the romance, although novel [spoiler]due to the gender issues[/spoiler], was never really explored enough to truly give impact to the ending.

I’m nitpicking though. All in all it was entertaining and I’d easily watch it again.

Aston Villa 2 - 0 Chelsea

Mourinho seemed to be delivering on his promise of a more entertaining Chelsea as he again went with two widemen. Martin O’Neill also opted for pace and width in what was a very attacking line-up.

This led to a very positive start to the match as opportunities to score came thick and fast. Luke Moore showed great control only to volley straight at Cech on 6mins. Terry then came close from a corner before Agbonlahor failed to fully test Cech on 13m. The attacking quartet of Villa were looking exciting - full of pace and movement.

However, it was Chelsea who looked in the driving seat with a quarter of the game played. Drogba and Wright Philips’ had efforts wide of the mark as Chelsea pushed on. Malouda’s corners were again looking a problem for Villa as on 33mins Alex headed over form 7 yards. The home side never allowed Chelsea to become comfortable though, as they were a constant threat on the break.

The energetic action continued into the second half and just 2mins in Villa had a goal. Agbonlahor’s bending shot had Cech at full stretch to tip over and from the resulting corner, debutant Zat Knight rose highest to direct a header down and into the Chelsea net.

The introduction of Pizarro on 51mins suggested a siege of Villa’s goal would insue but credit to Villa, they maintained the adventure in their play and didn’t sit back. Chelsea were showing the first signs of frustration when 3 set pieces were wasted just before the hour mark.

Villa were proving as resolute at the back as they were dangerous going forward. However they were looking vulnerable form set-pieces as Terry again headed over on 64mins from a corner.

The home sides gritty defending coupled with Chelsea’s dwindling inspiration meant the points were looking like they would escape the visitors. Kalou dragged a shot wide on 82mins and that was as close as Chelsea were to come as Villa continued to do well with and without the ball.

The game was denied a tense finale as on 88mins Villa’s pace on the break earned them a second. Young flew down the left, cutting inside to shoot and then seeing his shot steered in by Agbonlahor. Joe Cole hit the post on 92mins but it wasn’t to be Chelsea’s day as they failed to grind out a result as one might’ve expected of them.

Man of the Match: Gabriel Agbonlahor – typified Villa’s attacking threat with great pace and movement.

Arsenal 3 - 1 Portsmouth

Arsenal had just too much, even at ten men, for Portsmouth in an energetic, often end-to-end match.

It was an open first quarter to the game with both teams knocking the ball around well without looking exactly potent in front of goal. The only moment of incision coming when Van Persie slipped in behind Portsmouth’s back-line earning a penalty from the on-rushing James. Adebayor coolly slotted home form the spot on 7mins.

Arsenal stepped it up a notch on the half hour with rarely a wayward pass to be found as they grew in confidence. With all their possession they didn’t create a single chance form open-play and it took their 4^th corner of the half for them to double their lead. Fabregas finished well, controlling then prodding home a flick-on at the near post on 35mins.

Arsenal continued to apply pressure for the remainder of the half with Pompey struggling for a response.

The visitors were given some hope early in the second half when Senderos was given a straight red for pulling back Kanu on the edge of the area. Arsenal didn’t sit back though, and it was the home side who were to score next.

Fabregas took a quick free-kick on 59mins, teeing up Rosicky to blast home with Portsmouth unawares. From the resulting tip-off Pompey went down the other end, and thanks to a freak deflection off Kanu, got a goal of their own.

Despite being two goals to the good and a man short, Arsenal were still looking to increase their tally. Even after the replacing of Van Persie on 70mins with the decidedly more defensive Diaby they continued to plough forward. It was Diaby himself who came closest to scoring for them, heading wide from 6 yards when it would’ve been easier to score.

Portsmouth too were throwing bodies forward, Glen Johnsen drawing a good save from his powerful, ranged effort. Utaka came close, seeing his shot on the turn smothered by Almunia on 81mins. Moments later, Pedro Mendes tested the Arsenal keeper with a driven effort from 25yards. Pompey were on top when Nugent blasted high and wide from 9 yards on 85mins.

It wasn’t to be, though, as Arsenal controlled the ball in the closing stages with Portsmouth resigned to their fate.

Man of the Match: Cesc Fabregas – showed both sides of his game as he battled as well as he orchestrated.