Arsenal 3-1 Portsmouth

A somewhat perplexing team selection by Arsene Wenger quickly returned focus at the Emirates Stadium to the game at hand. While returning faces were the topic of discussion pre-match, the deployment of Mathieu Flamini at right-back reminded home fans of the threat posed by other former Arsenal personnel. Theo Walcott was also overlooked, as was Justin Hoyte, Hleb returning to his more subdued role at right midfield. Emmanuel Adebayor was also preferred to Eduardo Da Silva up front. Portsmouth’s links to their opponents were underlined by the presence of Lauren and Kanu in their starting line-up. An uncharacteristic display of squad rotation had threatened to undermine the confidence of Arsenal’s solid start to the season.

Such doubts were dispelled with yet another early goal, a rarity last season that is fast becoming a habit of the new. Robin Van Persie showed impressive anticipation to win a penalty from the onrushing David James, and in a similar fashion to the departed Thierry Henry, offered the spot-kick he had won to a teammate. Emmanuel Adebayor calmly placed the ball into the right-hand corner, and Arsenal were up and running. The traditional flowing movement and effervescent passing football from the home side was becoming prevalent, with Portsmouth struggling to maintain possession. However, another unlikely goal followed ten minutes before half time. Gilberto’s flick-header found Cesc Fabregas at the near post, who controlled the ball amicably in tight conditions before sliding his team 2-0 up with his left foot. Already the Spaniard’s fourth goal of a burgeoning season, Fabregas was imperious throughout. At this point the visitors were in serious trouble, and the half-time whistle was the only saving grace of a poor first half for Harry Redknapp’s team.

Portsmouth began the second half with renewed vigour; the pace and direct running of John Utaka had moved to the right wing, looking to exploit the gaps left by the perpetually offensive Gael Clichy. Philippe Senderos spurned a good chance from another dangerous set piece, his goal bound header repelled by David James at the far post. However, Kanu’s bursting run through the middle saw the Swiss international rather clumsily stumble into the back of the former Arsenal striker. Despite Toure moving in alongside him, Mark Halsey deemed Senderos’ challenge a professional foul, and the red card was produced. The game had subsequently opened up, despite Gilberto moving into the back four to cover. The increasingly dangerous Utaka lashed the free kick over the wall and saw Almunia push the shot away, Sean Davis wasting the eventual rebound.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Arsenal appeared to thrive on Portsmouth’s obligation to attack, exploiting constant space that was opening up down the flanks of the visitors. One such capitalisation saw Fabregas play a deft free kick inside an utterly static Portsmouth defence for Tomas Rosicky. The Czech international took a couple of steps into a spacious penalty area before lashing his shot through Glen Johnson’s legs and into the far corner. The delight at his first Premiership goal of the season, and his second strike in a week, was evident in his ecstatic celebration. Once again, the perceived impotence of the Arsenal midfield was fast becoming a fad of a season finished.

If the North London side’s consistent goalscoring from midfield was bizarre enough, Kanu’s immediate but utterly unintentional reply was all the more so. His attempt to control the ball resulted in a typically spectacular back-heel into the far corner, past a bemused Almunia. After swift consideration Kanu declined to celebrate- whether that was due to his Arsenal affiliation, the futility of his goal, or simply due to the fact that it was a complete accident, remains to be seen. The introduction of Denilson, Diaby and eventually Eduardo led to even more possession for Arsenal, the red card rendered inconsequential by the home sides’ impressive ball retention and movement. The unwieldy Diaby missed a very good chance to punish Portsmouth further when his firm header sailed the wrong side of the post, he almost made amends shortly after with a swerving drive that arced just over David James’ crossbar. Despite a late chance for David Nugent blocked impeccably by the enthusiastic Kolo Toure, Portsmouth threatened sporadically and somewhat half-heartedly, the ever-dangerous John Utaka aside.

Wenger was typically effusive of his team’s performance:

"I think we had an outstanding performance and that we were tested in all areas where the team can be strong. First half we played fantastic football and looked always a threat. We were 2-0 up and looked always dangerous. Second half we were tested, mentally as well, and we have shown a great response. Since the beginning of the season there is something happening in this team. They fight for each other, there's a great togetherness and a great love for the game. You see the team is happy to play the way they play and you saw a great response today."

The mental assessment of Wenger’s side was particularly profound- Fabregas and Rosicky’s goal celebrations were joyous and enraptured; the previously indicted midfielders efforts now see them prominent in the goalscoring charts. Although only four games in, it would seem that the biggest criticism of Wenger’s side has already been annulled- something that bodes well for Arsenal’s long and arduous season ahead.