Armand Traoré issued a warning to Manchester United ahead of this evening’s kick off, claiming Portsmouth were ready to stun the Champions – and hand Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger a welcome boost in the title race.
Although the Frenchman has only been training with his new team mates for a matter of days, Harry Redknapp had no qualms about throwing Armand straight into the starting lineup, in an experimental wing-back formation.
James
Kaboul – Campbell (c) – Distin
Johnson – Diop – Davis – Diarra – Traoré
Crouch – Defoe
United named a strong starting line up, but were without a handful of regulars meaning Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to include a bench full of youngsters. Traoré would be looking to attack England International Wes Brown, but also defend against the in form Darren Fletcher. A fantastic work out was in promise for the 18-year-old.
Match Report – Portsmouth 0-1 Manchester United
Portsmouth began in a frantic manner, Papa Bouba Diop thumped an effort wide from 25 yards, before Traoré’s first touch was to skip over Wes Brown’s tackle and feed Diarra.
Armand was then caught out down the left as Fletcher’s cross found Rooney, but thankfully James was equal to the shot. The Frenchman’s next touch would be to out pace and out skill Brown with an electric run, but his touch was rather strong. A terrific opening 5 minutes from the Arsenal loanee.
The home fans were helping create an amazing atmosphere, with the faithful appealing for a 15th minute penalty on Vidic.
Redknapp’s plans to play wing-backs helped stifle the attacking influence of United’s wingers, and it was Armand’s willingness to check back inside and make up a defensive four which created space for Defoe, he drove at Vidic before crossing for Crouch to fire against Evra’s shins.
Pompey were well organised and starting to frustrate Manchester United, until poor defending from Diop allowed space for Tevez to cross for Darren Fletcher who bundled home on 32 minutes.
The visitors would attempt to pick off the home side after netting the opener, but as Wes Brown received Tevez’s pass, Traoré came smashing in to up root the ball and start an attack – A very positive and energetic performance on his debut.
A late flurry of possession from Portsmouth helped push The Red Devils back, but a poor pass from Armand to Jermain Defoe summed up the frustration. The half time whistle brought an end of an interesting and tactical first 45 minutes, with Pompey certainly deserved something from.
Half Time – Portsmouth 0-1 Manchester United
United began the second half at a high tempo, but after the goalscorer Fletcher was caught out, Traoré snatched the ball and romped down the flank. He fed Diarra in the centre, but the former Gunner failed to pass quickly enough and was diss-possessed.
It was testament to Armand’s partnership with Sylvain Distin down the left hand side that Man Utd struggled to break down the pair, despite constant attempts.
However, with 55 minutes on the clock, Armand Traoré’s evening was up as he was replaced with Jerome Thomas. After having a month on the sides lines with injury the Arsenal winger seemed tired as time ticked down. The home side had 35 minutes to turned things around.
Former Arsenal winger Thomas fizzed a powerful drive seconds after coming on, as both teams finished the game at an exciting pace. Evra and Fletcher flashed volleys at James late on, but it finished 1-0.
Armand Traore Watch – Analysis
The Frenchman was thrown into a tremendously difficult game in a new formation after a month out injured, but put in a fantastic performance. Although he drifted in and out of the fixture at times, his energy and power combined with tactical awareness was impressive, but eventually his lack of fitness caught up with the youngster.
Lesser teams are certain to be on the receiving end of Armand’s direct style, but getting his fitness back must come first.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Traore was decent (decent) and nothing more, but its his first game. He faded in the game and didn’t do anything eye catching.
I am been harsh on him, but i’m just been honest. He’s improve alot more, with more games under his belt
he had a good game
I thought he was impressive. He provided energy and pace to a rather slow Portsmouth team, things seemed to speed up when he was around the ball. He wasn’t involved too much though, like you said, perhaps it was because Man U had alot of possession or maybe it was his lack of match fitness, but, based on this performance, I suspect he will be putting in some eye catching displays this season.
I though he was mixed, when he had the ball he looked good, but drifted in and out.
Fantastic performance? Need to take the rose-tinted glasses off J.
He was mediocre. Didn’t really do anything good, but didn’t do anything particulary bad.
Consider they were playing probably the best team Europe, without being fully fit, he was great at times. The report is balanced, i highlighted the good and bad points.
J-Self praise is no praise.
Write what you believe is true and stand by it let others pick through it
J. First you say he “put in a fantastic performance”, then you say “I though he was mixed”. At least stick to one view.
looked timid to me…like those painful performances against MU last year…but regular playing time should help.
let’s hope he learns to play wing at Portsmouth and then comes back and we can get rid of super-timid-Walcott
I’ve come to a conclusion about Arsenal and Arsene Wenger.
It pains me to say this but:
1) Wenger’s hands are really tied up.
2) The player he wants are way beyond his price range.
3) Wenger might have been super duper regretful of Flamini’s departure.
4) He also knows that the midfield is not what he expects it to turn out. Also refer to 2).
5) Wenger is now out of sorts and might be close to breaking his transfer policy. HE might be in a dilemma.
6) Wenger might think that worst come to worst, he’ll use Eboue in central midfield.
Well, if 6) happens, then sorry, I’ll skip this season and focus on other stuff then.
traore didnt really to nuffin in the match to be honest…i watched it..
suppose it was his first game soo i wont criticise…
why are we letting senderos go on loan???
can someone please tell me the logic in that….arsenal dont have a big another squad to be sending our back up players to other teams
Lets dream that AW is going to make 4 huge signings before the window closes, and they’re all 26 year olds who we’ve heard of……………..ahhhhh………………
Watched the game and was impressed by Traore. Thought for one so young he played well. His pace is electric and Brown had to resort to chopping him down late in the first half and was booked for it. The more he plays the better he’ll get and hopefully he comes back next season ready for the first team.
I know this isn’t a first team site but J, whats the status on Merida? Will he be getting into the first team anytime soon given our midfield problems as of late. He is a creator after all and thats seems to be lacking since the absence of Cesc. Let me know? thanks
Merida is still Reserves mate. Seems he is staying here
He was rubbish against man utd. just as i expected. hes no good and needs to stay at portsmouth instead of messing about in our team.
Is armand half from senegal and half french, or is he 100% senegal and born in france?