Source: SKY_Sports
No Hart attack
Portsmouth 0-3 ArsenalSoccer Saturday analysisPhil Thompson told Soccer Saturday that Portsmouth boss Paul Hart paid the price for only playing one up front against under-strength Arsenal.
With a crucial Champions League clash coming up against Manchester United in midweek, the Gunners made eight changes for Saturday's game at Fratton Park - but they still ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.
Thompson felt there was an opportunity for Portsmouth to take something from the game, but they lacked the firepower because Hart started with Peter Crouch in a lone striker's role.
He told Soccer Saturday: "This game was crying out for two up front because you knew Arsenal were going to make changes.
"They had one up front, five in midfield and they couldn't even get out of their own half.
"Arsenal were just passing the ball about and cutting through them and they were very, very good - but Nadir Belhadj and Crouch both had good chances and they missed them.
"You wondered if that might come back to haunt them and when David James let a goal in through his fingertips, that was it.
"In fairness to Portsmouth they came out in the second half, played three up front and they went for it.
"They had some great chances - and then Arsenal went down the other end and Vela scored to make it game over."
Uncomfortable Portsmouth play Blackburn next week and the loser of that game could face an uncomfortable end to the season.
Pompey remain seven points clear of the relegation zone, but Thompson feels they should be making more effort to win matches.
He said: "I think they're all praying that the bottom three are not going to win any more games, but you can't rely upon that. You've got to try and do the business yourself.
"That's what I was looking at this game and Paul Hart playing one up front from the start. Why not say 'It's Arsenal's reserves, let's go and have a little bit of a go.'
"He didn't and he has paid the price for it. It could be uncomfortable if they don't get a win in the next few games."
Nicklas Bendtner bagged a brace, but it was the performance of fellow forward Carlos Vela that caught Thompson's eye.
He felt the youngster, who scored his first Premier League goal in the 56th minute, thrived alongside a strike partner and did not feel out of place in only his second Premier League start.
"He played up front with Bendtner and that's where I think his best position is," Thompson added.
"He's played sometimes on the left and in the Carling Cup he played up front on his own.
"But this time he was with Bendtner and he looked busy; it was as if he was with all his mates. Not too many of the big stars, just his mates.
"He had a very, very good game."
