Armand Traore – Portsmouth 3-1 Sunderland
Armand Traoré marked his return from injury by netting the decisive third goal in Portsmouth’s 3-1 win over relegation threatened Sunderland.
After not featuring throughout 2009, Armand made his return to the team for a typical ‘6 pointer’ at the bottom. Either side knew a win would all but guarantee their Premier League status for another season – meaning everything was on the line.
Both teams made a lively start, but neither side took advantage of the handful of chances that fell their way. The half ended with a scrappy midfield battle setting up an indifferent second half of the game in prospect.
Yet the introduction of Traoré and Youness Kaboul from the bench seemed to revitalise Portsmouth. That said, it was Sunderland who notched the opener through leggy striker Kenwnye Jones. It looked like being a stern blow for Paul Hart’s men, but within 60 seconds they were level.
John Utaka levelled proceedings before Traoré lashed one just over the bar. And just 8 minutes later the come back was complete. Phil Bardsley put through his own net leaving the visitors stunned.
The win was sealed in the 88th minute when the lively Traoré lashed home the third from inside the area with a driven left foot effort. It means Pompey’s survival is inevitable.
Håvard Nordtveit – Lillestrøm 1-1 Odd Grenland
Håvard Nordtveit played the full 90 minutes as bottom of the table Lillestrøm surrendered a 1-0 lead to draw with 5th place Odd Grenland.
Nordtveit continued his prosperous run in the side, but switched to centre back as Henning Berg opted to reshuffle his pack. It meant the Under 21 international would be in for an experience building game.
After a physical opening period, Vidar Riseth crashed Lillestrøm in to a vital lead. Håvard then moved to right back for the remainder of the game, but could do nothing as Chukwuma Akabueze hammered home a stunning volley with 4 minutes left. It was a cruel blow for Nordtveit and his colleagues.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Looked a good strike to me, I wonder where he fits into the gaffer’s plans next year? Presumably as a left winger, deputising for Arshavin, Nasri and Rosicky.
For somebody who has only played one game for the year (France U21) he was very impressive and took his goal very well. Glad to know Wenger has him in his plans next season.
…where the + nordveit? lol. it would be nice to have some kind of seasonal round up for him, seeing as i have no idea how hes been getting on
Sorri, but Portsmouth were already safe because, Hull, Newcastle or Middlesbourgh didnt win on Saturday.
By the way do you think Traore has a future at arsenal? because of Gibbs coming up and Clichy already there, also we have alot of wingers already.
Armand traore needs to go loan to a better premiership side id like to see him somewhere like everton, fulham. With better technical players and movement he could be a revelation. Pompey does not suit him.
ye I was gunna say, not all to play for with Pompey. It’s so annoyin coz i usually want him to score but I had money on a 2-1 tonight so he has to go and score his first goal in england tonite! any other day !! Great finish tho, just think bout our left back options now! gibbs, clichy, traore and pedro!
who is better, traore or pedro? nd are they better than gibbs, coz am I right in thinking all 3 are converted left wingers?
Kieran gibbs for me will play CM thats his best position but i must say hes been brilliant at left back. Traore is a left winger so is pedro. But pedro needs to sort out his visa hes got EU problems. I preder pedro to traore i just think pedro more inteligent and is a better dribbler than traore.
u didnt mention nordtveit buddy
Why did Nordveit go to a relegation candidate? Why not to a better team? He will learn nothing here.
Kieran gibbs for me will play CM thats his best position but i must say hes been brilliant at left back.
^^^this will NEVER HAPPEN. You really think this dude who’s been specifically trained to stay at left back is going to suddenly usurpe cesc, song the darling of wenger’s eye, ramsey the wonderkid, whoever we buy this summer, the fa youth cup team, denilson etc.?
some people just don’t get football.
Traore is not good defensively. I remember being tried several times in the CC, FA and even Cl as well as some games in the league. In all these instances, he flopped. Gibbs has done well in the LB position and Arsene now see him as the rightful deputy to Clichy and even a challenger.
In football, you take your chances when you get the opportunity. Traore didn’t take his. With so many players at the LM position, Nasri, Arshavin, Rosicky all playing there, Traore’s future at the club is shaky. Simply put, he didn’t take his chances and Gibbs did and Gibbs is in the first team.
Clichy will be back but Gibbs will get games. Gibbs will feature in the CC, FA and get to play some games in the league and possibly in the CL too. Gibbs is really on the rise.
Chances should be taken when they come else you lose opportunity to progress i life.
Eboue had chances and misbehaved so Arsene brought in Sagna. Senderos had chances when Campbell left but couldn’t consolidate his position.
Gibbs has taken his and everyone has seen him play. arsene Wenger has already described him as the future LB of England, so his position as deputy to Clichy is now sealed.
J what’s up with the two brazilian trailists Wellington and the other one.Does Arsenal plan signing them?.
Samuel i have heard kieran gibbs interview on arsenal tv and he said he says he will play in the middle.
Samuel. Shut it mate.
Traore is a winger and will play there for arsenal
ye, I am pretty sure Gibbs plays in midfield for England so I reckon he could be very useful for Arsenal in the coming years, playing either LB, LW or CM. To be honest that I think his best position is left wing, saying that I haven;t seen him play centre mid yet. I also saw that interview as well and yep he did say he wants to play in the middle, will back you up there John!
Nordtveit has been doing really well on a struggling team. They were actually one of the favourites to win the Norwegian eqivalent to the Premier League, Tippeligaen, but have been hit by several injuries.
In fact, he is the team’s free kick taker, delivering great crosses, only for his team mates to screw up.
He is also learning from experienced fullbacks, in Vidar Riseth, who has played several seasons in the Champions League for Rosenborg. Frode Kippe is also an experienced CB with international caps, known for his borderline disiplinary record.
The coach is ex- Manchester United defender Henning Berg.
I think this loan is perfect for Nordtveit, and he will be twice the player because of it.
When do you think Nordtveit will be ready? 1 season…2 seasons? He’s a good looking prospect, but he needs to bulk up no?
Is there any reason Nordtveit is playing football against a racing driver?
Ive seen every game from Nordtveit, and he has been lillestroms best player in my opinion. He has ben secure defensivly, and has silenced some of the best wingers, and lately, forwards in the league. Great tackling skills, very good passing and some good crosses, not bad in the air either. Secure with the ball and techinaclly sound.
I think he will be recalled on the first of august, and be playing in the carling cup next season, next to Djourou. He may even be an option for the first team during the ANC.
Samuel, 2 words; Mathieu Flamini!