Win the title is the way to make history at Emirates - Wenger
Arsene Wenger urged his side to create history at the Emirates after making it ten goals in their opening two Premier League games against hapless Pompey. The marauding Abou Diaby struck twice in three first half minutes on his 100th appearance for the cl
Arsene Wenger urged his side to create history at the Emirates after making it ten goals in their opening two Premier League games against hapless Pompey.
The marauding Abou Diaby struck twice in three first half minutes on his 100th appearance for the club before Manuel Almunia's hesitancy allowed former Spurs defender Younes Kaboul to head Portsmouth back into the game.
William Gallas bundled home his third goal in as many games to restore Arsenal's two-goal advantage before Aaron Ramsey, a replacement for the injured Cesc Fabregas, rounded off a fine second half display when he sprung the offside trap to hit the fourth.
Prior to the game Arsenal distributed free scarves to every home fan as well as unveiling murals on the stadium concourse as part of a programme of 'Arsenalisation' of the new arena.
Wenger said: "Highbury had a natural soul because of all the history.
"We have to create history here first by winning titles, but also by making the place warm and where you feel the history of the club. The fans have to feel a connection with the values a club wants.
Most Read
- 1 'We're proud of what we do': Kossoffs celebrates six months in Kentish Town
- 2 Two dead in Maida Vale: Woman stabbed and man 'struck by vehicle'
- 3 Seven Sisters stabbing: Three jailed over Green Lanes gang killing
- 4 The most expensive homes sold in Haringey in November 2021
- 5 Italian sandwich shop opens in a Hampstead telephone box
- 6 'The joy of addiction is when you are free of it,' says Hampstead author
- 7 Ex-manager admits defrauding Paddington Sports Club
- 8 Hampstead, Highgate and Muswell Hill constituency changes consultation
- 9 'We don't need to drink more coffee' say cafés as Joe & The Juice moves in
- 10 Cops swoop on cannabis farm rumoured to be 'largest ever' busted in Haringey
"We have maybe not achieved that, not outside nor on the pitch. My job and that of the team is to create it on the pitch."
And the manager also reserved some special praise for Diaby, whose three-and-a-half years in north London have been plagued by injuries.
"His ability to win the ball back is just like Patrick Vieira," he added.
"He has prepared very well and looks sharp and strong ... he's capable of a very quick transition from defence to attack - nobody can go near him.
