Better Arsenal teams in recent years have had much tougher times at Fratton park but as that saying goes, you can only beat what is in front of you and at 2-0 up Portsmouth were being brushed aside

Match Review – Portsmouth 0 Arsenal 3 – Premier League

It turned out to be a walk in the park in the end for Wenger’s mix match side. Only Sagna, Song and Walcott remained in the starting 11 after the narrow 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Alex Song took a step back into central defence alongside his Carling cup partner Johan Djourou who was returning from injury. Andrey Arshavin came back into the side and had the privilege of wearing the captains armband due to his experience.

Portsmouth did not do themselves any favours by letting this young Arsenal team lift their heads up and pick passes. It only took Arsenal 13 minutes or so to open up the scoring. Andrey Arshavin played a one-two with Peter Crouch from his corner kick, and his second attempt was floated towards Nicklas Bendtner who managed to get a header towards goal. It should have been routine for England’s number 1, but the ball squirmed through David James’ hands.

Three minutes later Carlos Vela should have doubled the lead when the flying left back Eboue provided the pass for Vela to steady himself, select his options and shoot but his placed shot was blocked by the recovering Hreidarsson. The chance reminded me of Eduardo last season, take a touch relax and execute the finish, unluckily for him, he relaxed a little too much and the chance was gone.

Peter Crouch could have levelled after some brilliant approach play between Belhadj and the giant forward but his dinked shot flew the wrong side of Fabianski’s goal.

Theo Walcott started to get himself into the game and caused Portsmouth problems down the right. Arsenal were awarded a controversial penalty after Sean Davis appeared to have got a touch on the ball before Arshavin tumbled to the ground. The little Russian picked himself up and waved his finger in the direction of the referee but having already made the decision he was unlikely to go against it.

Bendtner stroked it into the right hand corner of the net 2-0 and cruising.

Better Arsenal teams in recent years have had much tougher times at Fratton park but as that saying goes, you can only beat what is in front of you and at 2-0 up Portsmouth were being brushed aside.

After half time Portsmouth made two changes bringing on Kanu and Utaka for Pennant and Hreidarsson. They came out much stronger and started to make a game of it.

Utaka dragged a shot wide moments after coming on, he should have done better but snatched at the chance. Crouch also had a volley just over the bar minutes later. Portsmouth maintained the pressure some near chances but it was Arsenal who scored the decisive goal. Andrey Arshavin had the ball to the left of the penalty area, his cross was blocked into the path of Vela who steadied himself and drilled a low left foot shot into the far corner past the helpless David James.

Vela had a powerful drive well tipped over by James who would have needed that after his first half blunder.

Arsene with an eye on midweek, rang some changes. Walcott was replaced by Bischoff and Fran Merida came on for Bendtner.

There was still time for a red card after former Tottenham defender Pamarot was sent off for bringing down Arshavin who was through on goal. Aaron Ramsey’s curled pass to him was sublime.

Crouch and Utaka continued to knock on Fabianski’s goal to no avail. One save from Distin from point blank range was fantastic.

It was pretty much a walk in the park for Arsenal in the end, although Portsmouth did have chances throughout the game. Wenger will be pleased to have rested so many first team players and still get a convincing victory away from home.

Top Gun of the day could go to many, Arshavin played a part in all three of the Arsenal goals, Bendtner scored a brace and worked hard, Eboue was superb at left back going forward, although he wasn’t truly tested defensively. But my choice goes to Bacary Sagna who hasn’t been at his best recently due to illness but his defending during the most part was spot on. One on one he is fantastic. Lets hope he keeps that up in the semi final, because he will have his work cut out dealing with Wayne Rooney.