Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Portsmouth

Arsenal enjoyed their first home game of 2009/2010 with a 4-1 thumping of a feeble Portsmouth side. The Gunners were always in control, seizing on some horrible defending to net four impressive goals.

Here are the player ratings.

Manuel Almunia:6—A very quiet afternoon and he will be dissapointed after he allowed Porstmouth to get on the score sheet with some poor hands.

Emmanuel Eboue:8—Got a rare start at right back and the Ivorian didn't dissapoint. His defending was solid and he was a constant threat down the right hand flank. A lovely pass to Abou Diaby which ended in Arsenal second, meant the Iovry Coast international had an assit to his name.

William Gallas:7—Solid defending from the veteran who was always in control of Kanu. Scored an "interesting goal" to seal the deal for Arsenal.

Thomas Vermaelen:7.5—Another impressive performance from the Belgium, won everything in the air and kept control of the, at times,threatening Pompey attack.

Kieran Gibbs:6.5—The English youngsters was troubled by Fredric Piquionne on numerous occasions but he still defended well. More than useful in attack too.

Denilson:7—Intercepted most of the Pompey midfield attack and did all the hard work defensively in the Arsenal midfield. Solid from the Brazilian.

Abou Diaby:8.5—His first start for the Premiership campaign, and the Frenchmen was outstanding. Two fantastic finishes to get his name on the score sheet twice and also pulled of a few terrifc, easy on the eye, moves.

Cesc Fabregas:8—Only lasted a half but the captain was phenomanal. Controlled the attack with some great running and passing and was unlucky to not have a goal to his name.

Andrei Arshavin:7—His movement and passing were good but was unable to unleash his magic and trickery.

Robin van Perise:8—Created play and chances, set up Ramsey with a brilliant pass and was always a threat from set pieces with the menancing left foot, all the Dutchmen failed to do was score. Way to wasteful in front of goal but still a great performance.

Eduardo Da Silva:8—His first Premier League start since his awful injury and on his come back the Croatian was a stand out. A brilliant run to set up Diaby for the first Arsenal goal and always a threat with the ball at his feet.

Substitues

Aaron Ramsey:7—Replaced Fabregas at half time and showed he has got a huge future. Accurate passing and a lovely finish to score his first Premier League goal.

Fran Merida:6.5—Showed he can play with the big boys. Some lovely passing and not afriad to use his skill.

Nicklas Bendtner:6—Not much of an oppurtunity, but the lanky Dane will get his chance on Wednesday.