Rubbish 0 Arsenal Reserves 3
Wenger rested all but three of the team that lost 1-0 at Old Trafford and still won easily at Fratton Park.
Pompey were pathetic.
Arshavin was captain and made the first goal. When his corner kick was headed back to him, he lobbed the ball back and Bendtner’s header went through the fumbling hands of Calamity David James.
After that it was a stroll in the sun for Arsenal’s lively reserves.
When brought down again by Sean Davis, Arshavin indicated to the referee that it wasn’t a penalty, as Robbie Fowler once did when Seaman clattered him long after the ball had gone.
Bendtner banged the spot-kick into the bottom corner for 2-0 at half-time.
Arshavin is a true sportsman. As a man, he’s class. A gentleman. As a footballer, he’s class too. He’s even better than I thought he would be- and I’m his biggest fan.
It was 3-0 after Arshavin had a shot and the rebound when to Vela, who rifled his shot into the bottom corner. Since the little man is so sporting, Im giving himn an assist on that one
Pamarot was sent off for bringing Arshavin just outside the box.
Arsenal had cruised through 80 of the 90 minutes. Pompey had made ten minute comeback when Kanu and Utaka came on and theyt missed three or four chances. Fabrianski flapped at a Belhadj corner but recovered to make a pointblank save from Distin.
So that was that. Arshavin had makes goals but needs a challenge. He lost interest against the pathetic Middlesbrough, when he had a wild shot and even an air shot. He could not concentrate for the last 20 minutes because the “game” was over, just as it was over in 54 here when Vela scored.
Arshavin won’t have a challenge till Saturday when Chelsea visit the Emirates.
Maybe Wenger will pick him for that one. Or maybe he will play Diaby. We can but wait and wonder.