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.
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