The only talking point of the Portsmouth - Arsenal game was whether Harry Redknapp's team had it in them to qualify for the UEFA Cup. As things stood at the end of a dreadfully dull game, they did not. For all their skill with the football, Arsenal finished the season without any silverware this would surely have rankled Arsene Wenger.

David James was the hero for Portsmouth as he affected numerous saves none more important than Julio Baptista's penalty on 41 minutes. The gameplay sadly was lazy and neither side had the strength nor the energy to make their opponents pay.

Sean Davis went close to giving the game a goal, but his curling shot was just wide. Gael Clichy's cross tested the Pompey defence, but Djimi Traore saved the blushes by clearing from the line. The match turned nasty when referee Graeme Poll ruled Nico Kranjcar's goal as offside. The decision appeared harsh and Pompey appeared to have lost the will after this settling for a tame draw.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said his side had missed the chance to shine this season, "It is the story of our season. We looked sharp for much of the game but lacked something in the final third. David James saved the penalty well but we had many other chances," he observed.

Portsmouth assistant boss Joe Jordan said the disallowed goal was on.  "The assistant referee made a controversial decision to disallow the goal. For me it was valid," he said.