Arshavin urges Wenger to splurge on new signings

ARSENE WENGER isn’t used to being contradicted at Arsenal where his word has virtually become law over the last 13 years.

And after an inspiring start to the season during which his side has struck 10 goals in their opening two league games and broken the back of a challenging Champions League tie with Celtic, the manager could have been forgiven for thinking he can expect an easy ride for the next few days at least.

Wenger, though, is wise enough to know that challenges can come at any time and can sometimes come from within. And that is exactly what has happened after Andrei Arshavin urged his manager to abandon his usual caution in the transfer market and spend before the transfer window closes.

“I know we have a massive squad, I can tell that by the names I have to leave out every time I select the team,” he said. “Young players mature and the gap with other teams is closing.”

Arshavin begs to differ, however. “We still have to buy,” said the former Zenit St Petersburg man.

“We should buy first-class players, regardless of their age. We should buy the ones who should improve our game. The top teams have much bigger squads than ours and that is why we have to buy.’’

Wenger is unlikely to be ruffled by his player’s comments, and while Arsenal are winning games so comfortably, debate about how they can improve is largely academic. The acid test will come when the Gunners stop serving up fantasy football and suffer the inevitable bad patch.

The hamstring injury picked up by Cesc Fabregas in the first half at the Emirates gave some cause for concern and a scan today will determine whether the Spain midfielder will be out for three days or three weeks.

But other than that, Wenger could muse on another convincing performance that included two first-half goals from Diaby, and goals from William Gallas and Aaron Ramsey and the growing respect afforded his team.

“There was only scepticism around us before the start of the season,’’ remarked the manager. “Now people are saying okay let’s see if they can beat Manchester United.’’

How Paul Hart must envy Wenger current good fortune. The Portsmouth manager hasn’t had much go his way since he was appointed a handful of weeks ago, and his current run of luck was summed up by Gallas’ goal.

Portsmouth had unexpectedly dragged themselves back into the game through a Younes Kaboul header in the eight minutes before half time and moments before Gallas bundled the ball home he escaped unpunished after appearing to haul down John Utaka when the Pompey winger was clear on goal, prompting justifiable fury among the visitors.

Hart bore it all with dignified frustration. No wonder. He’s had plenty of practice as an agonising and protracted takeover bid by Abu Dhabi entrepreneur Sulaiman Al Fahim, has dragged on, leaving the club in limbo.

“I think it’s fair to say it’s been a difficult summer,” Hart said. “Hopefully I can make some signings, and hopefully there will be no one else leaving.”

ARSENAL: Almunia (6), Eboue (7), Gallas (5), Vermaelen (7), Gibbs (6), Arshavin (7; 70), Diaby (9), Denilson (6), Fabregas (6; 46), Eduardo (7; 70) van Persie (8).

PORTSMOUTH: James (7; 75), Wilson (3; 69), Distin (7), Kaboul (6), Belhadj (4), Piquionne (5), Krancjar (5), Mokoena (6), Mullins (6),

Utaka (5), Kanu (4; 66)

Arsenal substitutes: Ramsey (7; 46), Bendtner (6; 70), Merida (6; 70).

Portsmouth substitutes: Nugent (5;66),Vanden Borre (6; 69), Begovic (6; 75).

Referee: Steve Bennett

Man of the Match: Abou Diaby – Not the most elegant of Wenger’s squad but the midfielder certainly made his presence felt with a powerful, box to box display.

REFEREE: Steve Bennett 4: Got the key decision wrong. Gallas should have been sent off for his foul on Utaka when Arsenal were 2-1 up.

MATCH RATING: **** Arsenal in full flow are always a joy to watch. Whether they can match this display at Old Trafford next week is a different matter altogether, though.