Old hand Bendtner scores twice as youthful Gunners sink Pompey
PORTSMOUTH 0-3 ARSENAL Nicklas Bendtner scored twice as a youthful Arsenal line-up comfortably claimed victory at Fratton Park – and mathematically confirmed the Gunners a top four finish The under-fire Dane headed home skipper Andrey Arshavin s 13th min
PORTSMOUTH 0-3 ARSENAL
Nicklas Bendtner scored twice as a youthful Arsenal line-up comfortably claimed victory at Fratton Park - and mathematically confirmed the Gunners a top four finish The under-fire Dane headed home skipper Andrey Arshavin's 13th minute cross and doubled the lead from the spot after Sean Davis was adjudged to have fouled the Russian.
Even Arshavin appeared to tell referee Lee Mason that Davis did not touch him - but the penalty was awarded and Bendtner fired home his 13th goal of the season.
"I always believed in him (Bendtner) and I think he is developing very well. He showed that today," said Arsene Wenger afterwards.
Carlos Vela wrapped up the win with more than half an hour remaining when he slotted home a third. Former Tottenham defender Noe Paramot compounded the hosts' misery when he was sent off near the end.
It was the fifth successive away league game the Gunners had netted at least three goals - equalling a club record set by Herbert Chapman's side 77 years ago.
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Wenger was impressed with his young side, which included teenage midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Denilson.
""I never have doubts about these young players. I see them everyday and you can see there is a good communication, a good connection and good combination play. These players have talent," he added.
"We dominated completely in the first half and were creating plenty of chances through out movement and technical quality. We were sharp, composed, mobile and had a great attitude."
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