The injury-plagued Frenchman popped up twice in the first-half to put Arsenal 2-0 ahead at the Emirates Stadium, writes Stewart Coggin. Younes Kaboul's header brought Pompey back into the match but second-half strikes from William Gallas and Aaron Ramsey put the result beyond doubt and took Arsenal's tally to 10 goals in two Barclays Premier League matches.
Diaby has been likened to Arsenal great Patrick Vieira, due to his gangly frame and ability to bring the ball forward. Wenger feels the ex-Auxerre man is a more offensive player than the former captain.
"Abou is a more offensive player but when he plays defensively he is exactly like Vieira," observed Wenger in the post match press conference.
"At some stage when Gallas moved out I put Denilson centre back and put Diaby central midfield in a defensive role. And he looks completely similar to Patrick when winning the ball back. But he is a guy who has a quick transition from defence to offence, from box to box, that is his fantastic strength, to change quickly. Nobody can go with him when he has that, when we are counter-attacking. He is fantastic.
"This could be his season. He has all you dream to have to play in the Premier League."
Wenger was pleased with his side's performance off the back of a tough trip to Celtic in midweek.
"We always feel we can score goals," he added. "The information we got after the first two matches is that we scored 10 goals, we could have scored more, so that's a brilliant start. It should create confidence and momentum.
"The first week was very successful with two difficult away games. Now we have another week, a second week, it is another test with Celtic and Manchester United. It looks to be exciting and interesting."
Cesc Fabregas was substituted with a hamstring injury, with Wenger confirming he is a doubt for Wednesday's Celtic match and that the injury would be assessed over the next 48 hours.
Portsmouth manager Paul Hart felt it would have been a different match had Gallas been sent-off after the break when he tangled with John Utaka as the Nigerian ran through on goal. Referee Steve Bennett took no action, and Hart admitted it was a 'cruel' blow to see Gallas pop up with the next goal shortly afterwards.
"I am a little bit (aggrieved), but I would like to say that I thought my lads did well against an extremely good Arsenal team," said Hart, whose side posed a sustained threat on the counter-attack.
"I think they showed a great spirit, they were well organised and they created chances - so I think that is important to get across.
"It is easy to feel sorry for ourselves and think the world is against us but I think we have got a lot of positives to take out of the last three games. And we have got to build on them."
Hart confirmed goalkeeper David James will have a scan on Monday after being substituted with a knee injury.
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