Pompey lost again in another record breaking day, we broke the record for worst ever start to a Premiership season, and we have had our own worst start EVER to any season anywhere. Well, let’s face it, the only way is up! (in terms of this season anyhow
Pompey played the game to the same script sheet as always, playing ok in periods, but conceding 2 sloppy goals to undo any good.
Pompey’s season has been littered with defensive errors, if its not getting caught in possesion, its been giving penalties away, 4 in total so far including league cup, not a bad ratio for 7 games!
Pompey are bedding in a vitual new team though, we are playing our pre-season in the cut and thrust of the Premiership where points DO matter.
Pompey fielded the same side that crashed to a late defeat last Saturday, and although Villa enjoyed all the early possesion, Pompey seemed to be holding there own, that is until Belhadj decided to make a rash tackle in the box with Petrov going nowhere, he seems to take tackling lessons from Paul Scholes.
Milner stepped up, and although James guessed right, the shot had too much power, Pompey one down and up against it once more.
Ben Haim is another new boy, but he is not new to the Premiership, he got too close to Agbonlahor, was spun easily and the net bulged once more, 2 down and practically out for the count.
Villa started the second half on top once more, James saving well from Petrov after a loose ball broke to the Bulgarian.
Pompey were at last starting to show some attcking threat, Boateng unleashing a fierce drive that Friedel did well to get down to, and then Piquionne went on a great run, skipping past tackles and playing a one-two with Boateng that forced another fine save from Friedel.
Pompey were the team in the ascendency now, Belhadj and Brown having shots saved, but the goal would not come, the away contingent were in fine voice, belying the desperate situation their team was in.
The game petered out and it was a record Pompey didn’t want, the last team who lost 6 on the bounce at the start of a season in the top flight were Leicester, 26 years ago, but they survived, although they did have a yong promising striker called Gary something or other in their ranks.
Player Ratings
James
MOM
Vanden Borre
Still learning at this level, needs to learn pdq.
Ben Haim
Was turned easier than milk in 100 degree heat for the second goal.
Kaboul
fighting a lost cause at the back right now.
Belhadj
Gave away his secongd goal in a week, can’t anyone see he is not a left-back?
Brown
He is a dog of war, going to be important this season
Mokoena
Scraps hard, but guilty of a few mis placed passes.
Boateng
Looks like he maybe the goal scoring midfieler we have lacked for years.
O’Hara
Another who won’t let you down
Piquionne
Brighter signs, but needs a goal or 8 very soon
Smith
Another grafter
Where now?
Pompey need to cut out stupid errors, Belhadj is a liability at left back right now, and until the centre backs gel, we will carry on leaking goals.