Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 4

Arsenal faced Portsmouth on Wednesday, away from home. Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas was missing as he injured himself against the win over Aston Villa, where he scored two goals. Denilson also missing!

The game started off pretty even with both teams playing well.

First save of the match came from Almunia after 10 minutes of play when r, Piquionne’s low effort was easily saved. However Arsenal had no reason to worry the whistle was blown for off-side. Boateng soon added to the chances by sending a driven effort towards the Arsenal goal, however Almunia saved it one again.

13 minutes in and chance for Arsenal. Yebda played a sloppy pass to Arshavin, who nearly took advantage by sending a looping effort over the bar from 20 yards.

Arsenal seemed to be getting into the groove of the game after some early chances for Portsmouth.

20 minutes in and Arsenal were awarded a corner. Nasri delivered from the left and Sagna sent a driven effort towards goal which was saved by Begovic, Diaby looked to reach the rebound but slipped in the process.

27 minutes in and Ramsey did well to win a free-kick on the edge of the Portsmouth box. Eduardo stopped up to take the free-kick, which took a deflection off Kaboul to beat the keeper. Great goal. Arsenal lead 1 goals to nil!!!

33 minutes in and Portsmouth broke forward, Belhadj drove a powerful shot wide of Almunia’s goal.

Arsenal were dominating possession and looked dangerous in their build-up play with some nice passing movements in quick succession.

38 minutes in and Portsmouth seem to have broken Arsenal’s passing flow, however Portsmouth fail to build on their decent possession as Arsenal are quick to win back possession and push Portsmouth back into their own half.

42 minutes in and Arsenal extend their lead as some neat passing led to Nasri powering in a driven effort from inside the box. Arsenal lead 2-0.

The Gunners are in complete control of the game. Half-time score Portsmouth 0 Arsenal 2.

The first chance of the second half fell to Arshavin, whose effort is blocked. 52 minutes in and Eduardo sent a wild half-volley well over the top of the bar.

However, Portsmouth still looked to create some chances when 54 minutes in Belhadj drove a solid effort wide of Almunia’s post.

Diaby looked strong once-again as he looped an effort from the left-hand side, but it went wide.

69 minutes in and Arsenal add a third to the score sheet. Ramsey made space or himself on the edge of the Portsmouth box and fired a powerful shot toward goal. A great finish from the Welsh star! Arsenal lead 3-0.

Both teams continued to work the ball. 74 minutes in and Belhadj takes a shot at goal from 12 yards. Good move from Portsmouth as they bagged their first goal. Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 3.

79 minutes in and Rosicky sent a looping effort over the top of the bar. Not to worry as 2 minutes later, Nasri crossed from the right, Song, who was unmarked headed the ball home for Arsenal’s fourth goal. Arsenal lead 4-1!!!

Late scare for Arsenal when Portsmouth nearly bagged a goal when Borre’s cross nearly met Piquionne.

Arsenal see the game out. Final score Portsmouth 1 Arsenal 4. Full match report here.

Great game for the Gunners! Congratulations to the team! Some fantastic team football, now only 4 points away from League leaders Chelsea, we also have a game in-hand!!!

Let me know your thoughts on the game!!

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