On-the-whistle match report Portsmouth 0-2 Sunderland 9/3/21

On-the-whistle report as Portsmouth’s woes continue.

Devoid of confidence, on the ropes and in danger of a knockout blow. Kenny Jackett’s Portsmouth side are a title-fighter on the brink of going out with a whimper. In recent weeks, defensive errors have seemed more likely than goals as frailty all over the pitch has led to a shocking and simply embarrassing run of form for a side tipped for promotion.

Sunderland came to Fratton Park this evening sitting top of the League One form table. Undefeated in their last six games with the best away and defensive record in the league, it was a good time to make the long journey south. Portsmouth, on the other hand, found themselves 23rd on recent form: more resemblant of a relegation candidate than a team in the playoff places.

True to form, it was the visitors who took the spoils with a 2-0 win in a completely dominant display. Portsmouth’s failure to register a shot on target at their once Fortress Fratton was a pathetic response to what has already been an embarrassing week of performance, following Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at the hands of League One’s lowest scorers Northampton.

Both teams have a cup final at the weekend. In the same cup, but, for different years - confusing, yes. The more obvious fact, though, is that it will be Sunderland going into their final a lot more confident. Portsmouth have now picked up just four points from their last seven games. This was their seventh defeat in the last 12.

As is usually the case in games between these two fiercely competitive sides, the game started as a tight affair. Things got off to a predictably fiery start. Harvey White clattered into Max Power and Callum McFadzean collided with John Marquis as two sides who have developed a competitive rivalry over recent times reacquainted themselves.

Portsmouth have won all but one of the last 10 games against Sunderland who haven’t won at Fratton Park in 24 years. But, it was the visitors who took the lead at Fratton Park in the 13th minute as Charlie Wyke headed home from a corner.

After Aiden McGeady stung the palms of Craig MacGillivray in the Pompey goal, Wyke broke free during the resulting corner and was gifted a free header that a striker in his form will bite your hand off for. It was his 21st goal of the season and he wouldn't have had many as easy. Having conceded from two corners on Saturday, Jackett’s side have developed a severe weakness.

Lee Burge in the Sunderland goal would have barely broken a sweat in the first half. Despite attempting a fair amount of crosses into Sunderland’s box, Portsmouth were unable to find a way to test League One’s best defence. Pompey’s most threatening attack ended with a failed penalty appeal as John Marquis went down under Dion Sanderson’s presence. Appearing to be a miskick by the Portsmouth striker, the faint penalty appeals reflected an increasingly feeble Portsmouth attack.

The second half was dull viewing for a Portsmouth fanbase becoming increasingly restless with the current regime. Whilst Sunderland looked calm and controlled in possession, Portsmouth were rushed and wasteful. Their only route of attack deep crosses that were time after time overhit or straight into Burge’s arms.

Portsmouth haven’t won from a losing position since April 22, 2019, in a 2-1 victory over Coventry City. And just before the hour, Jordan Jones made sure that abysmal record would stay intact. Again, it was defensive fragility to blame. A Portsmouth throw-in deep in their own half under no pressure somehow saw Jones win the ball off of Sean Raggett and race away to cooly chip over the stranded McGillivray. Class personified by the Scotsman; a sheer difference to his opponents in blue.

Pompey were denied another penalty a few moments later as Michael Jacobs was sweeped away instead of the ball. Sometimes luck is earnt and The Blues’ certainly didn’t deserve their share tonight. Sunderland continued to dominate processions and saw out the second half comfortably.

Jackett and his side will rightly face a lot of criticism and inquiry in the coming days. They remain in the playoffs for now, but could drop to ninth as a result of teams below with games in hand. Saturday’s EFL Trophy final against Salford represents a free-hit opportunity to save a season that is slowly beginning to look like a failure.