Arsenal are in the midst of a tough run of games, and can be excused for lowering their guard somewhat in their first competitive home match of the season. It was a game full of chances, the majority certainly for the home side, although Portsmouth could have scored more than the one.

However, it is asking a lot to expect the same intensity of workrate off the ball as was seen away to Everton and Celtic, and there are games when the team will subconsciously make less effort when possession is lost and rely on their ability with it to ensure the three points. This was the tale of yesterday.

Portsmouth, as we know, face a difficult season due to financial uncertainties, ones that put Arsenal’s cashflow problems into perspective. At the start of the game, as I wondered where to put the free (and unmarked – presumably much cheaper not to have a cannon or crest emblem?) bar scarf given the high temperature of the afternoon, I thought of something Tony Adams had said on the now defunct Arsenal TV fans’ forum phone-in. The gist of it was that if you beat the bottom ten teams home and away, you win the league. Simple. It gives you sixty points and leaves you with a further 18 matches to pick up the 30 points that will confirm a team as the best in the country. And how often, either home or away, have Wenger’s team dropped points to sides that have ended the campaign in the bottom half of the table? It would be interesting for someone to put together some stats on this if they have nothing better to do this Sunday. I suspect last season’s figure won’t make for pretty reading, but it would be interesting if the dropped points were added to the final points total to see if Arsenal would indeed have been champions.

The changed line-up may also have had an influence on events. The settled side of the first two games – one that, injury allowing – you imagine will take the field on Wednesday and next Saturday for the matches against Celtic and Manchester United, saw replacements in four positions. Out went the full backs, Alex Song and Nicklas Bendtner. I am not pointing the finger at any of those that came in – and indeed all made a contribution. However, it does demonstrate how changes in personnel are not always seamless. A midfield with Diaby rather than Song will not be as effective, or positionally disciplined, when possession is lost. It is a good argument for bringing back Patrick Vieira for one season, given Song’s presumed absence for a few weeks of intense international football in the New Year. Certainly, once Wenger is convinced of the Champions League group stage riches, it is a problem he must address.

On the transfer front, the story of the Marouane Chamakh saga is apparently that Arsenal and Bordeaux agreed a fee of £7.5 million, but before the striker had undergone his medical, the Adebayor deal was done. Bordeaux then promptly doubled the price, much to Arsenal’s disgust. They pulled out, although that didn’t stop Chamakh apparently turning up at Highbury House with his agent demanding that he have a medical. Now, he is being offered to West Ham at the original £7.5 million price, suggesting Arsenal no longer wish to do any business with the French club after the way they have behaved. How much truth there is in this, I cannot confirm, just that the source is a good one.

Back to the game against Portsmouth. It was a game of three thirds, to adapt the old cliché. First up the glorious start, when it was a real stroll in the sun for the home side, who looked a world apart from the visitors. Next up, complacency, and some encouragement for Pompey either side of half time. There was the goal conceded. I haven’t seen this on the box yet, but I don’t think Almunia was fouled, just that his challenge for the ball was weak. Can Arsenal win the title without a keeper who is at least being considered for international recognition? It’s a debate that will continue as long as the current keeper is maintained. If he lacks authority, it does little for the defence in front of him. After the break, as I saw it, Gallas should have seen a red card. It might have been a great dive. I’ll watch the Sunday morning ‘Match of the Day’ after this and the truth will be revealed. The gut instinct though was that Steve Bennett did Arsenal a big favour here though, not least with Gallas then scoring the third goal. This initiated the final part of the game, where it was a free-for-all at both ends with both sides pretty much realizing the game was won or lost, but still having a go – and credit to them for that.

Good to see Arsenal sense blood and go for it. It is the kind of result that is seen all too often at Old Trafford and needs to be seen more in London N5. The defensive lapses could be afforded because of the cushion created. However, even at two goals to the good, the team need to be wary of offering encouragement to teams they feel they can beat without stretching themselves. Less than a year ago, there was a certain 4-4 match against yesterday morning’s table toppers that offers surefire proof. Portsmouth did have the opportunities to make more of a contest of this, but equally, David James kept a good few out. It was a pretty open game when all was said and done and the three points it garnered were what mattered. Let’s say Pompey will finish bottom ten, so on the Tony Adams model, with 60 available, it’s three out of three so far. Can’t ask for more than that. 4-1 on a third gear kind of day.

Two different types of matches to come. The first against Celtic must see a more disciplined performance with not a hint of ‘job done’ about it, at least not until well into the second half. Arsenal are in the box seat, but the visitors can afford to give everything, and if they score first, then it really is game on. The trip to Old Trafford will need a performance of similar quality to that seen at Everton. And that just to win by a single goal. I suspect most fans would happily take a point from that game now. And even such a draw would maintain the momentum. It will be the third match there is the space of five months. The first demonstrated the gulf in ability between the two sides, the second saw United do what they needed to confirm the league crown. Arsenal have changed their tactics since then, and now have the Verminator in the backline. Let us hope we are more competitive as a consequence.

Post Match of the Day update! Utaka dived, so Gallas correctly remained on the field. Well played the referee. Cesc Fabregas withdrawal for a hamstring strain is cause for concern with two huge matches in the next seven days...

Kevin Whitcher is the co-author of ‘Arsènal: the Making of a Modern Superclub’. The book can be bought by onlinegooner readers in paperback direct from the publishers with a £1 discount offer on the already discounted price. To take advantage of this offer, Click this link, select ‘buy now’, and on the next page you will have the opportunity to enter a promo code. Enter the word ‘gooner’ here and the amount is recalculated to £4.99. So, a £1 saving. Postage and packing (£2.49 in the UK) will be added before you complete your order.