The Game

It’s the last game of the year, a way to celebrate together a 2009 which saw the end of a disappointing season and the beginning of a promising one. As it is, we cannot afford to lose any points so as to keep the pressure on Chelsea and Manchester United.

If you want, please do join the discussion in our comments section which will also be active when the game kicks-off.

Streaming Links

For those who don’t know where to watch the game, maybe we can help, follow this link for streaming options.

The Line-Ups

Portsmouth

Begovic, Finnan, Kaboul, Ben-Haim, Hreidarsson, Yebda, Mokoena, Hughes, Belhadj, Boateng, Piquionne

Subs: Ashdown, Diop, Brown, Utaka, Vanden Borre, Kanu, Wilson

Arsenal

Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Traore, Ramsey, Song Billong, Diaby, Nasri, Eduardo, Arshavin

Subs: Fabianski, Rosicky, Vela, Silvestre, Wilshere, Merida, Eastmond

Half-Time Thoughts and Analysis

It was a slow start for the Gunners this evening but after finding their rhythm it was a joy to see them go forward and fight for every ball.

It now no longer comes as a surprise: Abou Diaby is enjoying the form of the season, so determined, so full of confidence, so amazing and I repeat I’m delighted to see this. Alongside him, today, is Aaron Ramsey, who is also doing very well, especially with the ball in his feet. He’s no Denilson defensively mind you, but he did incredibly well up front, providing the assist for the 2nd goal.

It’s actually the only Andrey Arshavin who disappointed, seems he’s not fully interested in the game, but you never know with the Russian, who was anonymous in the first half in our last game but did well in the second.

At half time, it’s Portsmouth nil, Arsenal two.