Portsmouth and Arsenal played out a tame end-of-season affair.

The one truly outstanding moment of the match was David James' save from Julio Baptista's 41st-minute penalty.

The hosts had to win to keep alive slim hopes of a Uefa spot but a Kanu shot, which was palmed over by Mart Poom was the closest they came to scoring.

Arsenal might have managed to score had Baptista not wasted a free header, while Nico Kranjcar had a goal ruled out for offside in the second half.

But with lethargic legs on the pitch, and minds reflecting on what might have been this season, most of the play was laboured and uninspired.

That should not have been the case for Pompey, who would have qualified for Europe with victory as Bolton and Reading both failed to win.

Instead, they only have themselves to blame for failing after producing a display which had none of the urgency one might have expected.

It might have been a different match, had the opening exchanges been maintained for the duration of the afternoon.

Sean Davis had the first shot of the match, and went close with a curling effort before Djimi Traore hooked the ball off the line at the other end when Gael Clichy's cross took a deflection.

As Arsenal threatened to move up a gear, Baptista beat two defenders and fired in a shot, which James beat away after diving low at his near post.

The Brazilian's form in front of goal has often been less than top quality, and his misdirected header when totally unmarked will not have boosted his chances of remaining at Arsenal after this season.

By contrast, ex-Gunner Kanu unleashed an excellent left-footed effort shortly after which Poom did well to palm over.

James, though, soon outperformed Poom when he produced a wonderful save to deny Baptista from the penalty spot after Linvoy Primus had tripped Emmanuel Eboue.

After the interval, the pace picked up a little but neither side could create real panic the other's defence.

Even when through on goal, the quality of the finishing let the build-up play down.

For Arsenal, Alexander Hleb hit the side netting, and Baptista shot tamely at James before wasting another free header.

And when Pompey did get the ball in the net, referee Graham Poll - in his last Premiership match - controversially ruled the goal out after consulting with his assistant.

Kranjcar, who had got the final touch after Lomana LuaLua's initial shot was saved, looked mystified.

But it was one of those days when action was at a premium and a goal would have come as a surprise.

And that is little comfort to Pompey's fans who fretted until the final whistle, knowing that just one goal for their side may have seen them in Europe.

Us Gooners have all to look forward to next season.

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