Goal (Arsenal) (75) - I celebrated this goal with more passion than any other goal this season. For those of you who didn't go, picture the scene: We are absolutely freezing; there are only 15 gooners singing; the rest are moaning about one thing or another; the team is playing ok, but have had little penetration into Pompey`s final third. Then, from out of the blue, came one of the sweetest moments so far this season. Sol received the ball just inside their half. He burst forward, and with all gooners awaiting a square ball, he unleashed a 30 yard screamer which flew past the keeper, and won us the game. That is by far the most signifigant goal this season, and what a way to score it. Pure brilliance, and a goal that will live long in the memory.
Player Ratings
Manuel Almunia - 7.5 - His best display yet. Great handling, and made two world class saves from Berger and Lua Lua. He is clearly growing in confidence. What impressed me most was his distribution. Instead of punting the ball long and hoping for the best, he took his time, weighed up the options and then hit some amazing balls out. He has turned from a stop gap into a contender for the number 1 shirt, and personally I wouldn't mind seeing him take it.
Ashley Cole - 6 - A slight dip in form. He was struggling to make the game with a knee problem, and he didn't look 100%. Still managed to put his foot in hard and grafted away.
Kolo Toure - 7 - Made two last ditch challenges to deny Pompey an equaliser late on. As solid as a rock. Another impressive display of strength, pace and skill.
Sol Campbell - 8 - MOTM. De De De De - Sols A Gooner!! This was about the only song that all gooners joined in with. Before you all leap to the conclusion that I gave him MOTM on the basis that he scored a wonder goal, don't do it. He has been given the award as he organised our defence, and kept strong, denied Pompey`s attack a chance of a goal, and was particularly good in the air. A fit again Sol Campbell inspires confidence in both the players and the fans.
Lauren - 6 - Did his job well, but was at times left out numbered as Pires seemed reluctant to track back.
Gael Clichy - 7 - I have been going on and on about seeing this partnership of Ash and Clichy down the left, and for this game I finally got my wish. My beliefs we confirmed, as Clichy provided the extra cover that Ash needed, yet still bombed down the wing and outpaced defenders. It is a deadly combination for the opposition, as the work as a team, and have that understanding which is missing when Bob plays on the left. They were on the same wave length and I hope to see this duo paired together again throughout the season.
Mathieu Flamini - 7.5 - Yet another impressive display, and yet another example of magnificent work rate. He continues to grow with every game, and is certain to start more games over the busy Christmas period.
Patrick Vieira - 6 - A very mixed performance. In spells he was excellent, getting the tackles in and moving the ball about. However, for large spells he was lethargic with his touch, and clumsy with his passing. His balls became telegraphed, and his work rate was low. This may have also been down to the fact that he was playing alongside Flamini, whose work rate was nothing short of phenomenal, but overall he was fairly disappointing.
Robert Pires- 6 - It appears that Bobs ability to tackle has worn off along with the rest of his form. He left Ralf exposed on numerous occasions. In my opinion, the jeering he received (Pompey get over things real quick don't they?!) seemed to affect his game, and he just didn't like he wanted the ball.
Thierry Henry - 6 - Was pretty much a mirror of Patrick's performance. He drifted in and out of the game, and was in truth marked out of the game, with the Pompey game plan being contain him at all costs. He had a bright start, but Pompey reacted to this by doubling the men on him, so he was never likely to feature for much more of the game.
Robin Van Persie - 7 - Good to see him get the start that he has deserved. He “got himself about a bit” is my set line for him, and it sums him up perfectly. He jumped into challenges, was a threat in the air, and never allowed himself to be out muscled, even in situations where he was out numbered. All his performance was missing was a goal, which he could have got mid way through the first half.
Subs:
Dennis Bergkamp - 7.5 - Injected some much needed flare into our attack after coming on. He held the ball up, and provided a vital outlet late on when we were coming under intense Pompey pressure. Another professional display.