Gunners too strong for Pompey

Published: 02 May 2009 - 16:50:00

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Arsenal rested their big guns ahead of next week's Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester United, but were still too strong for Portsmouth as they won 3-0 at Fratton Park. Arsene Wenger made eight changes from the starting XI at Old Trafford, with the likes of captain Cesc Fabregas, Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor and regular goalkeeper Manuel Almunia all rested. However, the young Gunners, skippered by Andrey Arshavin who cannot play in Europe, again showed their potential as a brace from Nicklas Bendtner - his first after a blunder from England keeper David James - and a clinical second-half strike by Mexican Carlos Vela sealed a comfortable victory. Pompey, whose best spell came just after the restart, should have enough points on the board to be safe from the drop, while the Gunners head into their clash with United secure in the knowledge of another top four finish following a 21-match unbeaten league run.