Neil Banfield’s Reserves were looking for a vital win this evening after losing a seven game unbeaten run in the League against Chelsea 15 days ago.
The Gunners boosted confidence with a 3-0 win over Fulham in a behind closed doors friendly on Wednesday, but an experienced Portsmouth lay in wait at Havant & Waterlooville’s Westleigh Park.
Banfield had wanted to keep faith in his young charges, but a week long flu illness had robbed him of Francis Coquelin, whilst Jack Wilshere had been selected by Arsène Wenger for first team duty. Vito Mannone replaced Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks.
Mannone
Ogogo – Bartley – G.Hoyte (c) – Gibbs
Dunne – Randall – Mérida – Lansbury
Simpson – Fonte
Subs – Szczesny – Steer – Rodgers – Henderson – Murphy
Match Report – Arsenal 1-0 Portsmouth
Portsmouth were keen to flex their experience against a youthful Arsenal side in the early stages – Kanu and Arnold Mvuemba exchanging passes before Dunne broke up the play in the middle.
However, the hosts were having the better of it. Gavin Hoyte gave the ball away in the centre, David Nugent collected the loose pass and broke forward with intent, until his powerful shot was put behind for a corner by the recovering Hoyte.
Ogogo’s long pass through the middle would exposed the Pompey defence, Rui Fonte took a touch 8 yards out, but before the free scoring hit-man could lash a shot a goal he was tackled expertly by James Hurst. The rebound broke for Lansbury on the edge of the box, his left footed drive was deflected away.
Mérida looked very bright in the centre, his neat touch and controlled pass found Gibbs on the left, the 18-year-old burst forward before smashing a powerful into the stand. It was quickly becoming end-to-end, Nugent and Little had tame shots at Mannone, the Italian saved comfortably.
The Gunners would come back down the other end with some trade mark passing, Dunne, Lansbury and Randall all combined to feed Simpson, but the former Millwall man lashed straight at Ashdown.
The frantic pace of the opening 10 minutes died down as the game ticked towards the half hour mark, but the slower pace suited Portsmouth’s experienced legs. Mvuemba hustled Fran off the ball in the middle, he managed to pick out Nugent out on the left until poor control saw his cross turned away.
The Blues were moving the ball in a telling matter, a combination of around 20 passes was eventually broken up by a late tackle from Randall. James Dunne would then give away a simple pass, and then be nutmegged twice by Kanu, the big Nigerian was allowed time by Bartley to shoot, Mannone was forced to make a good save at his near post.
Back came Arsenal, Lansbury and Simpson worked an angle down the right, Jay’s cross was clear for a corner. Mérida blasted a shot via a 1-2 with Randall, but it was well cleared by skipper Wilson.
Eventually some patience paid off from Banfield’s boys, a swift move allowed space for Henri Lansbury on the left, he burst inside but his shot was off target. Fonte was then penalised for battling for possession with Marc Wilson in the box, a little harsh on the Portuguese Under 19 international.
Physio David Wales was forced onto the pitch with 37 minutes gone, James Dunne was the man in pain. The break in play allowed Banfield time to issue instructions to Rui Fonte, despite the fact he had been the livelier of the two forwards.
Matt Richie found space down the left hand flank with half time approaching rapidly, he burst away from Ogogo but couldn’t squeeze his shot inside Mannone’s posts. Abu showed his frustration at being caught out with a petulant little kick at the winger off the ball.
The final action of the half saw Marc Wilson’s header cause chaos in the area from a corner, but the bounce allowed Gavin Hoyte the chance to clear. 0-0 at the break, in truth the Gunners really should have been behind.
Half Time – Arsenal 0-0 Portsmouth
Consistency was what the boss had ordered before kick off, something Arsenal had not shown. The performance against Chelsea had been first class – the complete opposite of this evening so far.
The first chance of the second period saw Glenn Little’s free kick turned off the post by Noé Pamarot, the worrying defending was something Banfield was set to rectify. Ogogo’s poor marking had given the chance for Richie to thump another shot, Mannone was again to the rescue.
Paul Rodgers was being talked to closely on the bench, his introduction seemed imminent. Meanwhile, Simpson’s quick break released Fonte to shoot, his effort deflected up and was gathered by Ashdown. The break in play gave the opportunity for him to make the change, the previously injured Dunne was the man replaced.
Paul Rodgers > James Dunne (55)
Simpson found plowing almost a lone furrow on his own difficult, but after his effort was cleared, a jinking run from Randall brought a low shot, however, the lack of power meant it was no trouble for the hosts.
Bartley was marking Nugent extremely well, the only chance the former England International had ended up the net, but the offside flag prevented it from being the opener. Vito Mannone then launched a massive side kick down the middle, the bounce beat Wilson allowing Simpson a 1-1 with the keeper’, Ashdown made himself big and pulled off a stunning save to deny the 19-year-old.
Jay looked very menacing in the second period, he won a free kick in an almost identical position to the one that Fonte converted two weeks ago, but he backed away from this one. Fran Mérida stepped up and thumped the ball off Ashdown’s cross bar, a real up in the tempo had thrown the game back in favour of the visitors.
Mvuemba would crash a similar free kick to Mérida’s over, not a patch on the young Spaniard’s attempt just minutes before. Fran was working over time in the Arsenal midfield, his passing range and quality was exposing a tiring midfield.
Portsmouth hit back quickly, Mvuemba tricked beyond Gibbs, but Mannone was again at the rescue with a reaction stop. The concerning defending was again addressed – Steer on in place of Lansbury.
Henri Lansbury – Rene Steer (73)
Gibbs moved into midfield and after he fed Jay Simpson, the Gunners would win a shock penalty. The pacy forward tried to dance around Ashdown, but after falling over his arm the referee pointed to the spot.
Jay Simpson stepped up and wrong footed the keeper’ to score a surely decisive goal.
Goal – Jay Simpson (Penalty 75)
Conor Henderson made his Reserves debut after replacing Gibbs just 60 seconds later, Matt Richie was also replaced for Portsmouth.
Terrible play from Steer presented Nugent a chance to shoot with 10 minutes left, but a lack of composure meant the stand took the full force of his effort. Conor’s first touches were neat and effective, his inclusion proved to be a measure of just how highly rated he is.
Yet Henderson’s Reserves bow would then end early, he went down after fighting with Little for possession, a nasty knee problem looks like it could keep him out for some time.
Gavin Hoyte led his troops well in the closing stages, making sure it was Arsenal who left Westleigh Park with the points.
Article By – J.Sanderson
get in ther good results vs a strong pompey side anotha learnin curve 4 de boys
Mannone impressed i stil think wojech is better.Jay simpson needs to get more confidence because he done some nice little runs , thought ogogo looked a bit dodgy at times , but strong display
I never saw nothing special from henderson , i know he wernt on for long but he never looked nothing special , too early to judge
Solid performance from the boys this evening, and a vital confidence builder.
He only had two touches Frank, far too early.
Do you feel more confident when Sczezny is in goal compared with Mannone?
And Dunne playing on the right was a little strange wasn’t it?
once again Fonte failed to show anything that suggests he can be a first team player, if palace want to take him on loan then by all means let him go as it would clear the way for Murphy to step up
Some Match Pictures Here
http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/?cms_id=78&qs_articleid=1537&qs_media=html
frank butcher,
your grammar, or more precisely lack of, has left me with a bitter aftertaste having read this article.
i suggest you proof read your posts in the future so to avoid offending people’s eyes and intelligence.
kind regards,
Manuel.
frank,
for your information, this is how what you said should read…
‘Mannone impressed me. I still think Wojech is better. Jay Simpson needs to get more confidence, because he made some nice little runs. I thought Ogogo looked a bit dodgy at times, but otherwise a strong display’.
‘I didn’t see anything special from Henderson. I know he wasn’t on for long but he didn’t look particularly out of the ordinary. It is however, too early to judge’.
Frank – this lesson was on the house, because I am generous, but next time I will have to charge.
Kind Regards,
Manuel.
Uninspiring performance. Portsmouth were too strong. We had decent 2nd half though with Fran Merida going close with a gorgeous free kick. Simpson missed a couple of easy opportunites…atleast he scored the penalty.
Mannone saved us quite a bit.
Fair report J. I thought the team did really well against a strong and experienced group of players. We didn’t quite have our fluent passing game in the first half, but as the game wore on we definitely got stronger and more confident.
Your excited mate, this is a youth blog init dont get excited
Once again Fran Merida was the outstanding Arsenal player.Henri Lansbury and Kyle Bartley also played well.
What is the point of putting Dunne on the right?
It’s always great to see someone other than me go on about terrible grammar.
I’m glad to see the team beat such an experienced side, even J didn’t sound impressed.
samuel,
i totally agree, sometimes the grammar on these blogs is woeful and it does offend me. the lack of education…
Good point by eduardo. Fonte, although better this year just isnt gonna make it. Murphy however has the tools to be a top striker. Get him in!
Manuel you’re such a snob, just because someone doesn’t use the correct grammar doesn’t mean they’re not educated. I think everyone who read Frank_Butchers’ comment understood what he/she was trying to convey. For you to take it upon yourself to correct someone elses comment is pathetic and unbelievably arrogant. You’re not his/her teacher so get off your high horse.
Good result for the boys seeing as some were playing out of position.
Fonte did show good stuff again tonight he was very good on the ball and was very lively always a threat. I think its clear on this site people are against him cause he is stopping a englishman starting
ooooooooooooooh,
wengersbrain, that is a little bit over the top ad unecessary really.
i think it is a real shame we haven’t had a chance to see Paul Rodgers so far this term. I personally believe the kid to be a real talent; easily on par with G Hoyte
and*
i agree with Randall… u just say that cuz is stopping the englishman to play….
Well listen , I Study English A Levels , I am not putting my heart into writing a post in a youth blog.I surely never knew that me writing very quickly due to how passionate I was about Arsenal would offend some self centred arrogant people, Well If I DID SORRY BUT DONT GET EXCITED !
My comment was unecessary?
I think you should read your first two comments again.
LOL Manuel…your post seems unnecessary. Have we come to a point where posters when proper grammar? No we haven’t and I hope we never will.
how did bartley do? didnt get to see the game.. i have big hopes for him though. he physically looks there already. what do you think j?
He was quite good. Make a couple of good slide tackles on Kanu and Nugent, but his position play needs some work, great talent though.
Bugger..missed the game. Last time i missed the first 45 (vs chelsea), gotta stop forgetting about the reserve games. Anyway, neva mind, nice to see Simpson getting a goal. I know hes a player that devided opinion a bit (personally i dont think he’ll make it, he’ll just be an attacking version of Hoyte, technically and physically gifted but with out a tuned footballing brain on him) but i would like him to make it cuz hes a nice lad, a fan himself and on his day an explosive footballer. Hope he gets a carlin cup chance.
Btw, i know a while ago i announced on here id try and make a few footy comps of the young arsenal talents (about 3 months ago i think) well i tried but the stuff ive been downloading off arsenal.com is license protected and the programme im using wont let me use it. I think its cuz im running it on Vista so im guna try it on Windows XP, anyway, i neva do anythin quickly and it’ll probably be runnish anyway and ill give up after the first go, but ill tell u all if i manage.
Oh and one last thing, as delighted as i was thatr Ramsey and Wilshire got their debuts on satarday (and believe me i was), and that they both did well, especially Ramsey, altough Wilshire didnt really get much of the ball to no fault of his own, i still find it hard to believe Merida doesnt see much of the first team, i recon Wenger should bench him in the neer future for a few games and give him a run out, and he should atleast be on the bench in the carlin cup if not starting.
The best website for Arse fans. Well done. For those interested in the grammar debate, try the Oxford University site. You’ll be satisfied. Leave Frank alone, we are all Arsenal fans and should debate and celebrate not berate! Moaning is for Spurs fans.
It would not surprise me if we dont see many reserves in the Carling cup. if you think about it, we have a lot of first team players who are not playing any games at the moment. so you will see Vela and Bendtner up front not simpson or whoever else.
you will see Ramsey and maybe Diaby in midfield, Djourou, song and Silvestre and the back. OK so there are still a couple of positions for youngers players like Gibbs, Wilshere and maybe Lansbury but it wont look like the reserves team.
Have to say Simpson always impresses me with his pace and power. he wins a lot of free kicks as well. I really rate Jay. Also Gavin hoyte looks good to me at the back.
Only caught the 2nd half and have to say was a little disappointed in some players; Fonte, Simpson and especially Randall who I felt was just a peripheral figure when he is the 2nd most experienced player in our side.
I like Merida, Lansbury and Mannone but felt we looked edgy in defence, making silly errors like when the 2 CBs left the ball to each other which let Kanu put Nugent through.
Good game for the youngsters to play in though against experienced Pompey team, so will help in their development.
when last has arsenal produced a good young center back??
wasn’t steve bould a cb in his days…we should be delveloping many john’s terrys or at least rio ferdinands.
gavin hoyte = (future rio ferdinand)??? pace & height
Gavin Hoyte, reminds me of a young..William Gallas.
Arsenal know how to get central midfielders and full backs. not the greatest in other areas.
js merida is one of my fave players how did he play? do u think he will play carling cup. do u think he has a future here at arsenal
gavin hoyte is less that 6 foot. the comparisons to rio have been bartley i think he is terrific. needs to be more confident but could progress in to a terrific player. you think he will be included in the carling cup?
what team to u people think arsene wud put out against sheffield utd in the carling cup…
becos im going to that match..
do u think walcott will start?? or do u think arsena will put out a similar team dat played against pompy reserves.
im certain silvestre will start tho