A Magical Mystery Journey As Arsenal Win At Pompey
May 2nd, 2009 by 'holic
Well that was all very straightforward, wasn’t it? Le Boss left eight of the starting line-up at Old Trafford out, played a mix and match team on the south coast, and saw the points secured by his youngsters. The 3-0 scoreline may not be an accurate reflection of what we saw, indeed 6-4 might have been fairer in that respect, but the victory was none the less impressive for that, and secured the top four berth for another season.
Anybody who has spent the day in front of the streams will once again have concerns about the standard of refereeing in the Premiership. Those who saw Rooney stamping all over an opponent, without punishment, at the Riverside will have been mystified by the yellow card freely flourished at Andrey Arshavin for a tug of the shirt at Fratton Park. Mark Halsey bent over backwards to keep the right side of Fergie at ‘Boro, but Lee Mason was upsetting both sets of fans at Portsmouth.
The hapless official saved his most confusing decisions for the minutes that preceded the half-time whistle. Arsenal, gifted the lead when David James failed to deal with a Nicklas Bendtner header, looked to have a penalty when Arshavin was felled as he twisted into the left hand edge of the box.
Astonishingly we had that penalty award just minutes later when Davis challenged the little Russian and appeared to slide the ball out for a corner. Arshavin, felled by the momentum of his tackler leaped up and pointed to the corner flag, then wagged his finger apparently in disbelief at the award of a spot-kick.
I remember Robbie Fowler doing much the same when Liverpool visited Highbury on one occasion, and was baffled then that the referee did not reverse his initial decision. I cannot change my opinion just because Arsenal were the beneficiaries. It was a poor decision. Quite rightly though, Bendtner showed no mercy and buried the penalty.
The scoring was completed by Carlos Vela, his first goal in the Premiership. It was a just reward for the Mexican who provided the perfect foil for Bendtner until the Dane departed the action with twelve minutes remaining.
At the back Alexandre Song and Johan Djourou were given a tough time by the unorthodox Crouch, and the second-half substitute Utaka, both of whom squandered good opportunities to strike. Lukasz Fabianski got another Premiership opportunity and started a little hesitantly, but produced some excellent saves as he grew into the game.
Words of praise are due also to Denilson and Aaron Ramsey. Some would have been nervous at that central pairing, but by and large they controlled the middle of the park and forced Pompey to concentrate on a more ‘route one’ approach after the break. Well played both.
Once again the final word belonged to the travelling Gooners. How many times have we heard praise for the home fans down in Hampshire? Well I could only hear the Gooners throughout. Humour and encouragement came over loud and clear in equal measure. Brilliant. Let’s pray there are no reports of injuries between now and Tuesday, and that whatever side that takes the field on Tuesday gives the magnificent Gooners an overdue reward.
33 Responses to “A Magical Mystery Journey As Arsenal Win At Pompey”
Sorry son, but united rested, VanDerSaar,Ronaldo,Fletcher,Carrick,Anderson and Tevez and Evra didn’t play the entire game. Rio was on the mend and apparently will be ready to go on Tuesday.
United will be fresh particularly in the area of the field that matters most in this encounter–the middle!
United don’t need to win and they have proven that they can get behind the arsenal defense as evidenced by the many opportunities created last week.
Arsenal 2-United 1 and united go through
1-1 and United go through.
I like our chances—United don’t crack—way to much experience in BIG, BIG games;have never lost to Arsenal in the 4 cup semis played against arsenal; are tougher, both physically and mentally and have Rooney,Ronaldo,Tevez,Berbatov up front(real goal scorers).
In rio and vidic, the best central airing in all off football. And they have Fergie!
Are you lost Richard?
Calderon? Never trust a Calderon. Ever.
i’ll have a whisky thanks holic.
Richard i think your lost mate this is a gooner site not a man utd one
2-0 to the arsenal at the grove. remember what the scoreline was 20 years ago at Anfield. the Champions league is up for grabs now!
Happy to see the younger squad players do well, and the older players not take their foot off the pedal for a game that was ‘beneath’ them. Well Arshavin and Eboue and Sagna, I mean. Even Bendtner could have played like a dog, but he was lively. Good professionalism against a typical athletic mid table team that never got the chance to muscle us out (maybe because they didn’t bother?) I don’t like beating portsmouth, tbh.
Definitely Ausgunner I’m happy to be at the Grove on Tuesday to witness a definite 2-0 win. Wenger told me so, it must be fucking true.
Oh yeah, Adebayor won’t be playing, Vela starting up with Bendtner, fuck that lazy cubt he can go to AC for £30m and we’ll buy Villa or Benzema. Arshavin, Nasri, Walcott, Cesc, RVP and said purchase. Plus Song of course. Man Utd would piss all over their cock wig…
Only a manc would come a gunner blog and comment on how amazing their team is. Never ceases to amaze me…..
All I can say is Munich 09
More CalderOFF the mark than CalderON. Right? I could comment more but the misguided rarely come back into the fold of righteousness. “And we’ve got Fergie”, the battle cry of the faint of heart and narrow of vision. Doesn’t he know that Old Red Nose is Goonersaurus in disguise?
Good game to watch. What a superb young player Denilson is. With no Cesc to probe, push and make himself available, the Brazilian Maestro was there, playing to the rythmn of the samba, beating at the heart of the team. Our man of the Match by a mile.
More good experience for Ramsey and Vela. What wonderful tutelage they’re enjoying at Arsenal. I bet Aaron is SO GLAD he didn’t go within a country mile of aforementioned Old Red Nose (aka Goonersaurus in disguise).
And best of all, Cesc II (Fran Merida); Amoury Bischoff and Mark Randall all got a run out. Fran and Amoury are superb young prospects. I expect to see Bischoff emerge as an ever present on the bench and frequent starter next year.
I think Diaby’s absence today may signal a start on Tuesday. I’m troubled by that. I’m still sticking with my wish listed team on yesterday’s drinks. Out in the garden,’Holic. Bloody hot here, mate. Lager top is what I need. Long one, barman.
Let’s be honest here, we all know Utd will score at least 1 which means we’re going to need 3 to go through, can we honestly say we’re capable of doing it?
I’d love to see us do it, I was at Anfield 89 and I’ve witnessed us winning against the odds but if we play Diaby on the left wing, Fab out of position up front & 4-5-1 we have no chance.
And how can enyone think Denilson is superb? I respect your opinion but I do feel you are in the minority.
A player in midfield who has no pace, cannot tackle or head, cannot dribble & passes the ball to the opposition at least 5 times a match is far from superb.
I’m going to the game Tuesday and will scream myself hoarse but I’m also a realist.
Amazing! He can’t tackle, he can’t dribble, he can’t run, he passes the ball to the other team and yet, Arsenal are 21 games unbeaten and only one player has started every single game. The one who can’t dribble, can’t run, can’t tackle and passes the ball to the other team. Must be pure coincidence then?
Enjoy the game on Tuesday, Geoff. I cant make it. Give Denilson a special shout for me IF he gets on. I have a funny feeling that we may be missing Song and Den on Tuesday in favour of Cesc and Diaby though.
Bergkamp’s The Man,
Some people just don’t watch football. For them, unless Denilson breaks someone’s leg, he won’t be able to tackle, unless he shoots from 50 yards ala Stevie G, he can’t shoot, unless he pings 40 yard balls into touch like the aforementioned Scouser, he can’t pass, etc, etc.
First off excellent blog as usual. Calderon this is why I hate ManU and all they stand for, arrogant glory hunting supporters nevermind what goes on the pitch. Whoevers doing Chris THA, you rock. Monty Python couldn’t have summed up the negative energy in the Arsenal blogosphere in a more humorous manner. As long as we attack on Tuesday we should do well, results be damned its the effort that counts and after the 1st leg hopefully we are treated to a proper Arsenal experience.
Great to have secured 4th place. I really had doubts three months back, but I will now eat my hat, wear a hair shirt and beat myself with birch twigs. Oh and a pint of cider, ta.
How brave is Arsene? Fergie rested Ronaldo, Tevez and Anderson but kept them on the bench, just in case.
Arsene gave eight of ours a day off and packed the bench with kids!
‘holic, nice blog. Keep it coming!
Totally agree with you on the standards of refereeing in the PL! M’boro didn’t stand a chance today with the man in black playing for manu!
A bit like last weeks result against the ‘boro this was an industrial display that was only really going to end up with Arsenal being awarded all 3 points. Although so many of our first team were not playing, hopefully this will inspire those who do play (on Tuesday) to show all true Arsenal supporters exactly what they’re capable of producing!
Despite what ‘Dick’ had to say in the opening message, on our day, we’re plenty capable of beating Manchester United. Need I mention we’ve already done it once this season.
My team?
Almunia
Sagna-Toure-Djourou-Gibbs
Walcott-Cesc-Song-Nasri
Ade-RVP (if fit – Bendtner linking with Walcott if not)
If the man who does the gramophone records at The Emirates is a ‘Holic reader, can we please have “OVERJOYED” by Stevie Wonder when we win it on Tuesday?
You won’t know this one, Snail. Well before your time but it’s a cracker nonetheless.
(Well, wait a minute, Snail. I’m making the big assumption that you haven’t been invited to the studio audience for a session of “Stevie Wonder, This is Your Life” which may be quite incorrect of me with your frequent visits to TV land).
Great track BTM. Strangely enough, I was belting out the very same OVERJOYED earlier today over the home sound system via my ipod, whilst doing a bit of the ironing in support of ‘er indoors. Isn’t love sweet??
NB. Although it doesn’t quite beat my personal favourite ‘Misstra Know it all’!
NBB. Forgive my going back 20 years to 1989 but it would be more than words can describe if we could just recapture the fighting never-say-die spirit of the team back then. 1-0 is barely the slimmest of margins and all we need is an early goal in our favour….then who knows?? Believe!!!!
I am aware of his work, BtM.
Not sure we need an early goal. I’d settle for two late ones for us.
The mischievous would be sending Adebayor ‘You haven’t done nothing’.
😉
Well what a great day. Just got in from my first trip to Fratton Park and I thought I would share with you all my experiences.
Left Waterloo at 11am to arrive at Fratton at 12.30. Having made various enquires we headed for The Brewers Arms in Milton Road. The Hampshire locals were more than hospitable and several pints of Pride and some good old fashioned tucker later, and we made our way to the ground.
Fratton Park is an old style ground. A ground as we used to remember them. Long before the days of the 7 pound pizza slice meal deal with a coke type ground. A good, honest football ground. So we take our seats, in eager anticipation of what is to follow.
I have on many occasions championed the qualities of Denilson on this blog. His qualities have often been called into question many times on here. Some just do not get him. What does he do? Many have asked the same question? I have always believed that he is a great played with immense potential. I agree with the likes of BTM who regularly try and promote Denison to the doubters. But today was a prime example of why he is such a gifted talent. Why??? Because he does everything that other players do not do. For those of you who go to games just watch Denilson play. He does all the scruffy stuff. When someone breaks, he drops back. When there is a spare man, he picks him up. When the ball is loose, he wins it. When someone is out of position, he fills it. And so on and so on and so on……I guess he is what is referred to as a players player. And, he is just a kid. His reading of the game is second to none.
A convincing victory and back to The Brewers for a few before heading back home. What followed were further conversations with the locals. It was pleasurable to hear tales of how they still remember with admiration, that FA Cup tie when they were taken apart by Henry and Co. How they also have a healthy respect for Arsenal as a whole, and how they have nothing but a hatred for everything that is both Spud and Redknapp. What a top day out.
So here’s to Tuesday night. Go one up early and fergie will be pooing his undercrackers.
Keep the faith……..
What a great account of your day, Steve T. Thanks for that. Holic can sympathise with your comments on the pizza after his visit to Wembley and a fiver for a pepperoni pizza without pepperoni on. You’ve kindled a desire in me to get down to Fratton Park. I’m pleased Pompei are going to survive although I still think their treatment of Tony Adams was right out of order.
Snail, your one liners kill me! Do you do “stand up” during your TV audience events?
Quiz question: Arshavin got the armband yesterday. How many captains have we had this season? I’ve lost count.
Might be easier to name the first team regulars who’ve been overlooked!
What do people think about the penalty? I’m convinced he gave it because it was our third shout. The first one, when Vela was hauled down, should have been given. The second and third weren’t clear at all. I’m sure Mason felt he couldn’t keep saying ‘no’.
Thanks Steve T.
I think you attribute too much thought to Mr Mason there Gerry, a conscience even? I know I will upset a really good friend with my view of the top officials in this country, but I really do believe the standard has dropped badly in recent years. The era of the ‘professional’ referee is not yielding the rewards envisaged.
I have some sympathy because of the scrutiny they come under. Every game is poured over from all angles in a way that simply wasn’t possible even a decade or so ago, but guess what. If the technology gets better then so should the officials. It just isn’t apparent though, I’m afraid, and we’ll never go back to the days where that level of scrutiny didn’t exist.
*miserable old sod goes in search of breakfast*
I think football needs to adopt the Rugby model of reffing, where the refs are miked up, so that it picks up what the players say as well. I also see some room for 3 challenges on decisions by the team captains – like in tennis – where they refer to the technology to reverse or reinforce the decisions. What fans fail to appreciate with that idea though is the number of decisions that will actually go against them.
Anyway, maybe I’m just getting old and miserable myself.
*searches for another glass of Rose*
BtM – one liner? Wichita line are you referring to?
Actually, Snail, I think having them miked up is a great idea.
My guess is you floored BtM with…
‘Not sure we need an early goal. I’d settle for two late ones for us.’
Good blog, again, Mr Holic.
And the comments are becoming very interesting of late. Although the first one from the manure fan was ‘outside the box’ i thought.
There is no doubt we can do it on Tuesday. My feeling is that we HAVE to play 4-4-2. Cesc behind Ade didn’t work, as everyone could see.
*prays RvP is fit*
Keep up the good work.
Oh, i’ll have a snakebite & black, ta.
“Let’s be honest here, we all know Utd will score at least 1”
Er, no.
Good blog as always. And I agree with Don’s lineup.
I’m in the US trying to pick out the songs/chants. Can I get confirm or comments on this weekend’s?
Heard ‘love ya Arsenal’ – not sure if they have official names
was that ‘E-Man-Uel E-Bou-E’ to 7 Nations Army?
the ‘one song’ song – was that us singing about ‘play up Pompey’ or them singing to us about Song? Or us singing to us about Song?
I think I need a flow chart.
As of Stevie Wonder, I’ll take “I Believe” for Tuesday.