on the game...
"It was frustrating because we are not used to
not scoring. It was frustrating we could not get an opening. I feel
we gave absolutely everything and the positive side was that we did
not concede a goal. Our game in the final third was not
decision-wise good enough to open them up and we had a few
opportunities at the start of the game that we didn't use
well."
on Portsmouth's tactics...
"I didn't think Portsmouth played at all in
the second half, they didn't come out at all, they just
defended. It was surprising to see them just make up the numbers
with 10 at the back. It is difficult because they have experience
in defence, their midfield was highly focused on defending they
just left Kanu on his own up front. You cannot play like that every
week. They conceded four goals at Liverpool and after that the team
is just ready to focus on defending but you cannot play like that
every week."
on beating 'negative' teams...
"I'm not disappointed with Harry Redknapp.
we faced a problem we have to find a solution to. No matter what
problem we face we have to find a solution. They did what they did
well but you cannot expect them to play all the games at home and
not come out of their half. Maybe against Manchester United or
Arsenal or in special circumstances. Credit to them they did well
what they wanted to do. We were not quick enough or sharp enough.
And maybe our position on the field was too narrow to open them up
completely."
on whether he lacked options up front...
"Maybe, but we had many offensive players, we
had Fabregas, Hleb, Rosicky, Adebayor and Diaby when he came on,
but Portsmouth defended very well I feel."
on why he didn't bring Bendtner on earlier...
"We had the [injury] problem with William
Gallas, we didn't know how long he would last, we were looking
for the break in the middle the park, we were very open in the
end."
on taking two points from nine on the road...
"It is the 26th of December and we lost one
game since the beginning of the championship. So we have problems?
You convince me we are in crisis - if we do six months again and
lose no games we will be champions."
on losing top spot to Manchester United...
"I prefer to be in front but a one-point
difference is not a big deal. I believe we just have to focus on
our performances and get a good result at Everton and everything is
alright."
