Arsenal win at last

Two days after the shock draw with Aston Villa, Arsenal bounced back at home to win after three consecutive draws. 

Wenger, who had accused Villa officials of match fixing after the half time at Aston, employed Adebayor and Bendtner, with the rest of the team unchanged other than Toure, for Clichy. 

Pompey, too was in a critical situation, with manager Tony Adams, who was a former Arsenal captain, at a job loss. Portsmouth had won only 2 of their last 11 games, and were on a 3 game losing streak.

With a spot in the UEFA Champions League at stake, and a possible relegation spot, both teams went forward for a win. 

 Arsenal mainly dominated the first half, hogging the possession and making a lot of chances. But they showed their lack in finishing every time. Pompey got only one good chance, with a Crouch header hitting the woodwork. But Arsenal got the best chance of the game, after a through ball from Eboue defeated the defence, and Adebayor  dodged past James, only for Distin to foul him and Campbell to clear. 

Distin made the Arsenal strike force miserable, single handedly clearing the ball and defending the goal, even after various Pompey errors. Adebayor missed another golden chance after James spilled a ball, and Adebayor had a chance on open goal, only for him to hit wide.

Frustrated, Wenger bought in Ramsey and Vela to make a impact. Pompey suffered two blows after selling Diarra to Real Madrid, with Bouba Diop injured. Finally Arsenal scored 9 minutes from time, when Denilson sent the ball to the middle with a freekick, and Gallas headed home to give Arsenal the lead. Arsenal held on to win the match.

Meanwhile Liverpool thrashed Newcastle 5-1 after a string of referee errors allowed the Merseyside team to remain first in the new year. Chelsea too came from behind, courtesy Lampard to draw with Fulham 2-2.

BOL GUNNERS!!!!