Pompey’s awful form continues as the blues saw 4th consecutive game end in defeat, this time at the hands of Brentford. It’s the second game in 4 days that Pompey fail to win at Fratton and it’s again because of poor possession and failure to make chances. Brentford began on the front foot and took hold of the match very early on as number 9 Donaldson headed home in the 9th minute. It is becoming clear that defending crosses is Pompey’s major worry as nearly every goal we concede at the moment is a header. Pompey time and time again lost the ball, especially in midfieled, and it led to Blues only managing to come close to finding the net on the stroke of half time when a bit of link up play involving Akos Buzsaky and Izale McLeod which led to McLeod curling a volley just beyond the post.
Michael Appleton has been labelled as the bookies favourite to take the managerial vacancy at Blackpool but couldn’t find the charm that would spark Pompey into life as after the interval there were no signs of improvement. It appears that Appy has favoured the 4-4-1-1 formation since Wes Thomas left and it is certainly not pleasing the fans or favouring the players. Lone front man McLeod seems to miss a strike partner and Appleton somehow can’t see this as he has opted to list Luke Rodgers for loan.
Pompey’s midfield also looked shaky as skipper Brian Howard is continuously losing possession and failing to gain it back. This is a major concern for the Blues and many in the side feel it’s good football to lump it up the pitch rather than bring the ball wide as it may seem, it is certain though that Pompey are not a team that are effective playing it down the middle, which anyone who watched the game last night would agree with.
Pompey’s failure to make clear chances led to the stat of only 1 shot on target out of 11 attempts which came midway through the second half as a 35 yard free kick taken by Akos Buszaky was comfortable dealt with by Bees keeper Lee.
Pompey do have midfield flair but current form proves that we are failing to utilise the ability of our playmakers and it leads to our forwards failing to receive sufficient chances and scoring opportunities.
The same old story develops and Pompey end the game with no points. The Blues will need to pick up their game if they are looking to achieve high prospects this season so it’s time Appy got the lads playing the football of recent times of this season and got them performing at the levels that are satisfactory compared to the players standards.
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