Arsenal had just too much, even at ten men, for
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
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 4th 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
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
Man of the Match: Cesc Fabregas – showed both sides of his game as he battled as well as he orchestrated.
No comments:
Post a Comment