Raucous atmosphere and belief in the air - what it was like to watch Portsmouth vs Arsenal at Fratton Park

And with Kenny Jackett’s men sensational form at Fratton Park this season – with the club undefeated in the league – there was cause for optimism prior to kick-off among the Pompey faithful on a chilly evening that evoked memories of when the club dined out at English football’s top table.

Although two divisions below Arsenal, Pompey were able to push the Londoners despite ultimately losing the game 2-0.

A sea of blue and white transformed surrounding areas to Fratton Park before the game with fans in full voice during the match – putting their Gunners rivals to shame.

Buoyed by their side’s recent strong run in the league as Pompey chase automatic promotion, fans dreamt of a giant killing.

Matt Archer, 22, of Southsea, said: ‘No one is giving us a chance but with our team spirit we can do it.

‘Arsenal are not in the greatest form whereas we have been playing well, plus we’re at home, so I believe we can win.’

That view summed up the belief. It was a belief that was shared by the team, who made life difficult for Arsenal.

A raucous atmosphere suffocated Arsenal while spurring on Pompey, especially in the first half. Not even a goal, largely against the run of play on the stroke of half-time, could silence the home fans.

A second goal for the Premier League side just after the restart all but ended the game as a contest.

But off the pitch in the stands, Pompey’s support crushed their Arsenal counterparts, who were only briefly audible after scoring their goals - before swiftly being drowned out again to an anthem of Portsmouth chants and jeers at the away fans support.

Nothing was going to dampen the happy-go-lucky Pompey spirit, with fans still proud of their team despite the defeat.

Life-long Pompey fan Simon Alton, 57, said: ‘We took the game to Arsenal and made it uncomfortable for them in the first half.

‘We came close on a few occasions but couldn’t quite get the goal. The goals came out of nowhere and obviously killed us but I don’t remember them having any clear chances.’

Pompey may have lost on the pitch but they claimed a resounding victory off it.