William Gallas's goal nine minutes from time enabled Arsenal to reclaim fourth place in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Portsmouth at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Victory saw the Gunners move ahead of Aston Villa, who do not play until Tuesday, on goals scored, although they remain 10 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
The win also ended a run of three successive drawn games that had also seen captain Cesc Fabregas ruled out until March by injury.
Portsmouth, managed by former Arsenal captain Tony Adams, frustrated Arsenal for long periods but had no answer to Gallas's 81st-minute header. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger made three changes from the side that drew 2-2 at Villa on Boxing Day.
Alex Song missed out through injury but Robin van Persie and Kolo Toure found themselves on the bench as Gael Clichy, Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Adebayor returned, with the latter having served a one-match ban following his sending off in last week's 1-1 draw with leaders Liverpool.
Wenger sacrificed Emmanuel Eboue for an extra attacker in the 66th minute but it was the teenager Carlos Vela who came on, not van Persie. James made a fine save with a leg to deny Nasri, who fired in a shot from a tight angle, before Arsenal Aaron Ramsey replaced Diaby with 15 minutes left.
Nadir Belhadj forced a rare save from Almunia following a Crouch back-heel.
But hopes of an away win were dashed when Diop rashly fouled Vela near the left touchline and France
defender Gallas headed home Denilson's free-kick, with James again failing to make any contact after coming off his line.
There was a further blow for the away side when Diop, taken off on a stretcher, was hurt as Denilson challenged.
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