Portsmouth 1 – 4 Arsenal: The right buys could land us the league
42 comments December 31st, 2009
Portsmouth 1 – 4 Arsenal (Eduardo 28, Nasri 42, Ramsey 69, Belhadj 74, Song 81)
Highlights | Arsene’s reaction
A cracking win over an admittedly poor Portsmouth side means we’re in a great position heading in to the new year. A win in our game in hand at home to Bolton will take us above Manchester United and just a point behind leaders Chelsea.
Last night’s game oughn’t have been so easy, but Portsmouth looked like a side lacking in confidence and inspiration. With all that said, it took a hefty slice of luck for us to take the lead – Eduardo’s free-kick coming off Younes Kaboul and leaving Asimir Begovic no chance. That’s three free kicks scored in our last three games – albeit with a little help.
Our second was a wonderfully worked goal. Alex Song’s clipped pass found Eduardo to the left of the penalty area. He bought time in the penalty area with some shimmying before poking the ball to Aaron Ramsey, who in turn laid it off for Samir Nasri. The number eight’s finish was excellent, nestling neatly in the bottom corner. Portsmouth had given us time on the ball and been suitably punished.
At that point the game was dead, but there was still time for a second half flourish. First Aaron Ramsey collected the ball thirty yards out, stepped inside his man, and fired a magnificent left-foot shot in to the near post. It was a goal that underlined his undoubted potential.
Portsmouth picked up a consolation when Championship Manager hero Anthony Vanden Borre cut the ball back to Nadir Belhadj, whose deflected effort beat Manuel Almunia. But our three goal advantage was soon restored – Alex Song’s header giving him a much deserved first goal of the season.
Great goals, great win. Afterwards Arsene talked about the possibility of signing a striker or midfielder, and you’d have to say that with us in a decent position to mount a title challenge it’s probably worth gambling and investing a few quid. Andrey Arshavin is a willing runner up front, but he’s no number nine, and is more useful to us in other positions. In midfield we’re going to miss Song enormously, whilst his absence also leaves us even thinner at centre-back. Oh, and we need a goalie.
Dust off that chequebook, Arsene. The right buys could win us the title.
Got to dash to Brighton now for some New Years Eve festivities. I am prepared for the inevitable jokes. Have a good one, and let’s hope 2010 is a good one for the Arse.
