Wenger Frustrated As Ragged Arsenal Concede Top Spot

Arsenal's title surge has been transformed into a game of catch-up. A club that had sat on top of the Premier League since September, slipping from the summit only when others played before them, have dropped disconcertingly behind Manchester United as the end of the year approaches. Momentum has been checked.

The frustration for Arsène Wenger was that it was an unfamiliar inability to score that has offered the reigning champions their slender advantage. This was the first time this season that Arsenal have been shut out in the league. There was a certain irony that Portsmouth, primed to infuriate but deserving of huge credit for their successful suffocation, boasted two former Arsenal favorites in their back line in Lauren and the outstanding Sol Campbell to implement the shut-out. The visitors must have recognized that pair's quality.

Campbell in particular was excellent, marshaling those around him with the enthusiasm of old and, in the frantic final few seconds as Arsenal's desperation whipped up into a frenzy, standing tall. The veteran might have been penalized for making contact with William Gallas's ankle after the Frenchman had squeezed rare room on the edge of the six-yard box to turn and slice a shot high and wide. Yet Campbell had earned both his luck and his clean sheet.

More costly for Arsenal was Tomas Rosicky's shot that was wastefully wide when he might have managed better in the third minute of stoppage time. Not since their visit to this venue for the final fixture of last season in May have the London side been held scoreless in a league fixture, though Wenger's bitter reaction smacked of a whinge.

"Portsmouth didn't play in the second half at all," he complained. "They just defended. And they have an experienced defense, so that made it difficult. Even their midfield was focused on defending, but we were not quick enough or sharp enough. Maybe our position on the field was too narrow to open them up completely. They did well what they did."

Portsmouth's approach was actually admirable, with Wenger's implied criticism of their tactics rather more born of the reality that the next time his own side kick off, at Everton on Saturday evening, they could be four points adrift of Manchester United at the top.

Their first-half display here was reminiscent of that against Tottenham Hotspur - disjointed, with possession surrendered far too readily, and only stumbling upon their normally upbeat rhythm. The slicker moves materialized more often after the interval though they still chiseled out few clear-cut chances, with the tendency to over-elaborate on display again and the pace rarely up to its breathless best.

Regardless, Portsmouth, without a win or a goal here since September, were hardly likely to prove expansive when confronted by Arsenal's threat. "We are Portsmouth, let's not get carried away," said their manager, Harry Redknapp. "What are we supposed to be doing? Ripping them to pieces? Anyway, what system do they play? One up - exactly the same as us.

"They just keep the ball so well. It's a great point for us tonight. See how many other teams take points off Arsenal. Five years ago we were playing Rotherham and Grimsby. Remember? I do. When was the last time Arsenal played any of them [in the league]? About 80 years ago."

His own side actually offered a more coherent route to goal for much of the second period, albeit on the break and despite Wenger's assessment. Niko Kranjcar forced Manuel Almunia to save, while Nwankwo Kanu's delightful pass sent Benjani Mwaruwari through on goal only for the striker's touch to prove too heavy as he swerved around the sprawling Almunia, allowing the Arsenal left-back Gaël Clichy time to recover and clear. "We left ourselves open in the end as we looked for a winner," said Wenger, whose agitation on the touchline betrayed his frustrations.

The Frenchman's concerns will have pursued him back to London. Gallas hobbled away from this game with the foot that was initially hurt in a challenge with another former Gunner, Kanu, during the first half damaged further by Campbell's late lunge. Robin van Persie, sorely missed here, is struggling with a groin complaint and will not be available at Goodison Park. His bite was needed, even if Nicklas Bendtner did offer more of a physical threat when introduced. Eduardo da Silva was not involved at all.

"It's December 26, that's all," added Wenger, seeking a sense of perspective amid his disappointment. "We've lost one game since the beginning of the championship. You'll have problems convincing me that we're in crisis. Maybe the expectation levels have been raised but, if we repeat our form of the last six months in the next six, we'll win the title." For now, though, it is advantage United.

Man of the match Sol Campbell

The former Arsenal center-half was excellent marshaling Pompey's back line. Frustrating a side who arrived here having scored in every previous game this season was admirable and the center-half was instrumental

Best moment The manner in which he muscled Emmanuel Adebayor off the ball and away as this contest became more frantic