Adams undone by familiar scoreline

THE home fans gave Tony Adams a rousing reception but the former Gunners captain must have known it was always likely to end 1-0 to the Arsenal.

Adams had set up his Pompey side for a 0-0 with a five-man midfield and just Peter Crouch up front but when David James has another one of those days clean sheets are usually hard to come by. Sure enough, an horrendous error gifted William Gallas a late winner and enabled Arsene Wenger’s side to move up to fourth above Aston Villa.

They are holding on by their fingertips — goals scored — although Villa have the perfect opportunity to go three points clear again tomorrow night at Hull.