Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp backed Arsenal to challenge for the
Barclays Premier League title after his side were routed 3-1 at the
Emirates.
And Redknapp understands Arsene Wenger's reluctance to spend big on
transfers after watching the young Gunners, assembled for under
£30million, cruise to a dazzling victory.
Emmanuel Adebayor rifled home the opener from the spot after David
James had brought down Robin van Persie and the impressive Cesc
Fabregas added the second from close range.
A quick free-kick from Fabregas then enabled Tomas Rosicky to score
before a 62nd-minute strike from Kanu gave Pompey some reward for
an afternoon of toil.
Only the 50th-minute dismissal of Philippe Senderos darkened
Arsenal's day, with the Swiss defender shown a straight red for
blocking Kanu.
Former Gunners vice chairman David Dein had declared the club needs
a "huge injection of cash" if they are to avoid getting left behind
by their bigger spending-rivals.
But Redknapp believes the current squad is capable of dethroning
champions Manchester United.
He said: "I don't know if Arsene has to spend money. He's got
talented young players here. They bring these kids in from
everywhere.
"I don't think he needs to spend massive money. Van Persie and
Adebayor are two fantastic players. They are a threat to
anybody.
"Then there are also people like Fabregas. Their side is full of
quality.
"When they move the ball and pass it, there is no-one better than
Arsenal.
"They will be right there in the title race. They will be pushing
all the way.
"The two wide players Rosicky and Alexander Hleb are fantastic and
their quality on the ball is incredible."
Wenger revealed Arsenal's third league victory of the season, which
lifts them to second in the table, was a joy to watch.
"We are super ambitious and of course that creates a pressure but
we can live with that," he said.
"This team has been built to have an offensive personality. That
means it is very important they express themselves.
"When you watch a game, you see that. We always try to go forward,
even with 10 men and two minutes to go.
"I personally enjoy watching my team play like that. You don't
cheat people.
"They feel the vibes coming out of the team when they sit in the
stands.
"They sense when there is something positive coming out of the
team."