Portsmouth's troubles on and off the pitch deepened following
a 4-1 home defeat by Arsenal, who remain in the hunt for the Premier
League title.
The club had earlier issued a statement denying being formally
served with a winding up petition by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs
in respect of disputed VAT, PAYE and National Insurance contributions
of a reported £3.5million.
While that matter may yet be resolved in a High Court hearing early
next month to avoid administration, it is clear Pompey - FA Cup
winners last year under Harry Redknapp - face an uphill battle to
save themselves from relegation come May 2010.
Arsenal fans, meanwhile, could well have the champagne on ice in
anticipation of what may yet prove a vintage year for Arsene Wenger's
young Gunners - now just four points behind leaders Chelsea and
with a match in hand.
The visitors were always in command after Eduardo's free-kick had
deflected off Younes Kaboul, before Samir Nasri drilled in a second
just before half-time and Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey smashed home
a third on 69 minutes.
Although Nadir Belhadj - one of several Pompey players set to leave
for African Nations Cup duty - pulled a goal back, Cameroon midfielder
Alex Song nodded in a fourth with 10 minutes left.
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