Winning without playing that well

[Vegas Claret]

Pompey only lost 2 away games out of their last 31 apparently so today was never going to be easy and it proved to be that. I thought for long parts we were very average but given the turnover that is to be expected. To win that game was excellent imho, they are proving they can fight and scrap, now we just need to figure out the patterns of play. Lots to work on but a big 3 points.

[Goliath]

The patterns of play is still the big one for me. What are we actually looking to achieve when we have the ball, I've not seen any really plan as of yet.

[Vegas Claret]

The patterns of play is still the big one for me. What are we actually looking to achieve when we have the ball, I've not seen any really plan as of yet.

same

[criminalclaret]

The creativity seems to be muted since the transfer window (to be expected).

Koleosho is getting doubled up on and so we have to have playmakers in the middle. Brownhill/Cullen driving through at least. Side, middle, side, back, repeat is just holding the ball but very easy to defend against, especially if you have 10 men back like Pompey did today.

I miss Beyers darting runs from the last Championship season, and Berges from last. Someone needs to take on that role.

Need to work out what we do with Foster positionally. He had a poor day today, partially tactically, partially himself.

[Burnley1989]

The patterns of play is still the big one for me. What are we actually looking to achieve when we have the ball, I've not seen any really plan as of yet.

So slow, starting from the back.

It is what it is though, hopefully we will only get better.

I'd certainly take it

[summitclaret]

Kolo is on the wrong wing 100%. However, we scored because Sermiento was there.

[Safron]

Last week at Leeds I thought tactics were fantastic don't get me wrong Trafford pulled of a couple of match winning saves, but pre match today I thought we would punish Pompey but a win is a win however it comes utc

[Goliath]

The creativity seems to be muted since the transfer window (to be expected).

Koleosho is getting doubled up on and so we have to have playmakers in the middle. Brownhill/Cullen driving through at least. Side, middle, side, back, repeat is just holding the ball but very easy to defend against, especially if you have 10 men back like Pompey did today.

I miss Beyers darting runs from the last Championship season, and Berges from last. Someone needs to take on that role.

Need to work out what we do with Foster positionally. He had a poor day today, partially tactically, partially himself.

Koleosho could become a problem for us against deep blocks. He has no creativity and his biggest asset is nullified in his pace. He really needs to learn to become a goal threat with the timing of his runs in the way Cornet, JBL and Tella did.

Anthony on the other side is tidy but doesn't seem to be a big attacking threat. Losing Benson to injury really is a big blow, he can win us points on his own in games like that.

There's also a worry about how much of a goal threat Foster is, he's another one who I don't think is making the right runs. Goalscoring is about being in the right position and he needs to be in an around the 6 yard box a lot more.

[Goliath]

So slow, starting from the back.

It is what it is though, hopefully we will only get better.

I'd certainly take it

That would be fine if there was a plan similar to VK where we were doing it to suck the opposition in and then isolate the wingers one on one, or hit tella in behind.
I'm not really sure we have the same quality this time to play that way even if we wanted to. There's a definite drop in the quality of our squad compared to the last time at this level.

[Commy]

Kompany had slightly more time with his squat than Parker has had this time, and we are still 4 points better off. Foster was a lot better after the subs came on so maybe we are playing him wrong. He might benefit with Flemming being on the pitch.

[Burnley1989]

That would be fine if there was a plan similar to VK where we were doing it to suck the opposition in and then isolate the wingers one on one, or hit tella in behind.
I'm not really sure we have the same quality this time to play that way even if we wanted to. There's a definite drop in the quality of our squad compared to the last time at this level.

Nowhere near the sane quality, we've only really got LK

[Claretnick]

Wow, it is 3 weeks since the window closed, then an international break. Give the guys and coaches a chance to work together, patience is needed on our part. The club has been turned inside out and frankly I am amazed and happy at the points tally we have gained so far. UTC

[summitclaret]

That would be fine if there was a plan similar to VK where we were doing it to suck the opposition in and then isolate the wingers one on one, or hit tella in behind.
I'm not really sure we have the same quality this time to play that way even if we wanted to. There's a definite drop in the quality of our squad compared to the last time at this level.

That's because we don't have Tella, Mattsen, THB and atm Beyer.

[Andingle]

4pts better off after 6 games than last time we romped this league, today was reminiscent of the Reading game that season and hope we can enjoy the same success again as we grow into the season.

[willsclarets]

Big difference in Foster and available space when flemming came on. He barely touched the ball, but he constantly looked to run in behind so someone had to track him. Foster looked more comfortable too and suddenly perked up. And brownhill was obviously given more license to get forward when we were 1 down.

I think we need to be a bit less worried about the opposition and be a bit braver. Most teams will sit back against us, and when they do we need to give them more of a headache. But we'll get there, big 3 points. Utc

[Goliath]

That's because we don't have Tella, Mattsen, THB and atm Beyer.

Well yes. That's basically what I said. The problem is we've signed replacements who are grafters but don't have the same technical ability. We seem to be a good squad of Championship players but that's it.

What happens when Koleosho goes? I'm not convinced that we will find too many more wingers like him, Benson, Zaroury, Tella, JBL with Parker in charge. That's not a criticism of Parker but he's just not going to have the same pulling power as VK unfortunately

[Clovius Boofus]

What happens when Koleosho goes?

Three points today, mate. Think of the now and embrace it. You'll be a much happier person for it.

[Hedontplayforyou]

Played poorly today but still won, with some lacklustre performances on the pitch.

Many teams will drop deep against us this season and we will have to find a way to combat that. Foster struggles massively against a deep lying defence as he likes to run into the space using his pace and power. His first touch and link up
Play is still very poor which is killing us in these scenarios.

Can Parker find a way to utilise both Foster and Flemming to free up some of that space? To be seen .

Cullen looked way off it today and I’m not sure Parker knows his best midfield lineup yet and where to fit the pieces . We have a lovely set of options for the centre of the park now he just has to get it right.

Worrall is very slow on the ball when in possession which teams will notice and in turn they will let him have the ball slowing our tempo, however he did defend well.

One other to point out is the fullbacks - Pires is going to divide opinion early season, some stuff is great then suddenly it’s a shambles he needs to learn quickly . Other side Egan-Riley inexperienced still and struggled early on but then his grit and determination pulled him through the game and he gradually got better and worked hard until then final whistle playijg some neat stuff in the process. If he can learn from Roberts he could develop alright .

All in all - a wins a win

[daveisaclaret]

Looks to me like the Scott Parker experience for us (in this league) will be largely what it was for Fulham and Bournemouth. A team that gets by primarily on individual contributions from players who are among the best in the league, rather than on its strength as a team. If it works, it works.

[mikeS]

Thank you very much for the win today boys.
But for 80/90 minutes you were pretty crap.
Onwards and up the clarets.

[Sheedyclaret]

Not sure of our best line up yet that was dire today

[Elizabeth]

The biggest thing that stood out today is that we have the best squad in this division by a mile and can bring players on equally as good as those that start the game. The sub won us that game today with a goal and assist. No other team can do that. Apologies for not remembering his name yet , I must do better

[RalphCoatesComb]

That first half performance was not only dire, it was boring too.

Had we lost today we could have had no complaints.

Onwards and upwards.

[Bosscat]

Was it Sir Alex F that said "to win when you're playing like sh*t is the sign of a Championship winning team" or words to that effect

[RVclaret]

Looks to me like the Scott Parker experience for us (in this league) will be largely what it was for Fulham and Bournemouth. A team that gets by primarily on individual contributions from players who are among the best in the league, rather than on its strength as a team. If it works, it works.

Not sure how we can really draw conclusions at this stage, it’s still a new team. I’m anticipating performances will improve over time. Even Bournemouth were more creative than what we are right now if we use xG to compare - they averaged 1.65 p/90 while we are currently at around 0.82 p/90.

[Stonehouse]

I reckon if we’re in the top 6 by the end of the year most of the teams around us will start to struggle because of the lack of quality in depth where we’ll come on even stronger and walk the league.

[claretspice]

Still far too early to be overly critical but certainly having a front 4 all of whom want to face the opposition goal, and who aren't comfortable coming short or with their back to goal, didn't work today and our build up play from deep looked a bit awkward. Pires looks very good in possession on his left foot, but is a bit one footed and isn't as quick as Maatsen, Esteve is tidy in possession but not a ball player, and neither Egan Riley nor Worrall were especially smooth in possession today (with the honourable exception of Worrall's assist for the winner). Given Portsmouth were basically happy to give then the ball and focus on stopping Cullen dictating the game that undoubtedly limited our build up and we struggled to find a way round it. Roberts will help, but we missed the burst of acceleration both Beyer and Vitinho could offer today.

[Vegas Claret]

Not sure how we can really draw conclusions at this stage, it’s still a new team. I’m anticipating performances will improve over time. Even Bournemouth were more creative than what we are right now if we use xG to compare - they averaged 1.65 p/90 while we are currently at around 0.82 p/90.

I wonder what it was in the early part of his reign there ? I wouldn't even know where to look for that kind of info

[GDK]

Pompey got 97 points last season and had two good draws in their previous two away games. I'll be surprised if they struggle this season, they looked well organised.

It's a bit unfair, and unrealistic, to expect us to steamroll past sides like this. We left it later than we'd like but we deserved the win, so I'm surprised to see the level of criticism on here.

[Mattster]

Dire in possession (again), failed to create a single big chance (again) and relied simply on having the better individuals (again).

All well and good if you're winning, but it's simply not sustainable to keep relying on individuals overperforming as your sole means of winning games.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Dire in possession (again), failed to create a single big chance (again) and relied simply on having the better individuals (again).

All well and good if you're winning, but it's simply not sustainable to keep relying on individuals overperforming as your sole means of winning games.

Early days Mattster. You clearly don’t like Parker as your Twitter and on this forum suggests.

3rd in the table after a really turbulent start and one loss. Give the lads a chance. At the moment I think it’s quite clear we look quite physical in our set up, I would argue almost set up to play better teams on the counter (like a Leeds) but we will struggle to break down low blocks as we have shown against Blackburn and Portsmouth.

This is where Parker will learn which players suit which teams better. I suspect against our next opposition he might start some of the more flair type players from the off.

[Elizabeth]

Dire in possession (again), failed to create a single big chance (again) and relied simply on having the better individuals (again).

All well and good if you're winning, but it's simply not sustainable to keep relying on individuals overperforming as your sole means of winning games.

It's only been one game since your last similar post. Give it time and be thankful we won

[Mattster]

Early days Mattster. You clearly don’t like Parker as your Twitter and on this forum suggests.

3rd in the table after a really turbulent start and one loss. Give the lads a chance. At the moment I think it’s quite clear we look quite physical in our set up, I would argue almost set up to play better teams on the counter (like a Leeds) but we will struggle to break down low blocks as we have shown against Blackburn and Portsmouth.

This is where Parker will learn which players suit which teams better. I suspect against our next opposition he might start some of the more flair type players from the off.

Nothing would make me happier than Parker proving me wrong. But surely nobody can argue that was a good performance today? Against a relegation candidate. A team whose entire squad cost less than our left back.

[Ric_C]

Dire in possession (again), failed to create a single big chance (again) and relied simply on having the better individuals (again).

All well and good if you're winning, but it's simply not sustainable to keep relying on individuals overperforming as your sole means of winning games.

I think you'll find we created two relatively big chances

[dvalley69]

Nothing would make me happier than Parker proving me wrong. But surely nobody can argue that was a good performance today? Against a relegation candidate. A team whose entire squad cost less than our left back.

Who gives a flying... we're 3rd; we're a new team basically; winning with a never-say-die attitude is enough for me at this point; there are loads, like, loads of games to get better and we will. It wasn't a great performance, but we kept at it, stayed on the front foot, made the right changes and won. That's all the matters. It's not about SP proving you wrong; it's about winning footy games, so please stfu. Noone is interested in you.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Nothing would make me happier than Parker proving me wrong. But surely nobody can argue that was a good performance today? Against a relegation candidate. A team whose entire squad cost less than our left back.

I agree, but at the same time I think it’s a massive massive result.

Last seasons horror show can’t be underestimated. The last two games have shown this team has a backbone and Parker although not pretty has found a way to win both games.

I do agree things can be better and I think they will be to be honest. Give it another 3-4 games and I’m expecting to see a much better team performance

[LincsWoldsClaret]

I think we suffer from a lack of movement (Koleosho excepted). Worral has come in for a lot of criticism for being slow with the ball, but in the second half there was no movement in front of him so he had no alternative other than to play square.

We have strong players and good squad depth but not we’re not firing on all cylinders - hopefully it will sort itself out with time.

[BurnleyFC]

We were fairly unconvincing again today, didn’t really create many clear cut chances but still managed to win. 2-1.

I thought Portsmouth were relegation fodder as well. Good support, though.

[Clovius Boofus]

I've heard of misery in defeat. However, I've yet to come across misery in victory, apart from on here. Just think, it could end up being this forum's USP.

[FCBurnley]

We just got 6 points from last two game and arguably were outplayed in both. My big fear is the lack of chances created. Both today and at Leeds we created very little

[RVclaret]

Outplayed today? Jesus wept

[bobinho]

Pompey only lost 2 away games out of their last 31 apparently so today was never going to be easy and it proved to be that. I thought for long parts we were very average but given the turnover that is to be expected. To win that game was excellent imho, they are proving they can fight and scrap, now we just need to figure out the patterns of play. Lots to work on but a big 3 points.

Getting rid of pointless stats when evaluating games will help. By that I specifically mean xG, but most of the others mean Jack too. Having seen a graphic of the stats for the game today, I should be firmly of the belief we’ve bossed that game and were unlucky to find ourselves one down. However, I watched the game, so I know that graphics aren’t worth a ****.
Shoot! For ***** sake. When we did, guess what happened? Yes folks, we got out of jail.

Won ugly, but won. Plenty of work to do still, but very happy with the changes, and with the attitude of our team.

[Clovius Boofus]

69% v 39% in the possession stakes. 14 v 3 off-target goal attempts. 4 v 2 on target. Won 2-1.

Outplayed. Do me a favour.

[claretspice]

Nothing would make me happier than Parker proving me wrong. But surely nobody can argue that was a good performance today? Against a relegation candidate. A team whose entire squad cost less than our left back.

We've been through the mitigations but you aren't interested in allowing for them. At all.

Not great today but not that different to two seasons ago. Best to leave the debate about Parker's coaching for now, give it the benefit of the doubt and return to it in 3 months.

[BurnleyFC]

We did boss the game but didn’t really force Norris into having to make many saves.

Portsmouth were poor. We were mediocre but much improved when Flemming and Sarmiento came on.

[TheFamilyCat]

Let's have this right.

We dominated possession, albeit a lot of that was passing across the back four.

Despite not really clicking in the final third, we created far more chances than them - but didn't test Norris enough.

We were the only team trying to win the game and had to beat a team of spoilers and weak referee, we persevered, resulting in getting the goal.

We have huge potential to improve and are picking up wins while we gel.

Enjoy the win. Chances are, there'll be games when we will play better and get nothing.

[clarethomer]

The discussion in the pub..


Both teams cancelled eah other out.. Class showed in the end...

Expect Burnley to go up..



End...

[TsarBomba]

Watching the Championship highlights- there’s absolutely nothing in a lot of these games.

Luton scraping a 2-1 win against 10 man Sheffield Wednesday with a winner in the 88th minute.

Leaders West Brom winning 1-0 at home to Plymouth.

Breaking down hardworking sides is proving difficult for everyone. We’re 6 games into the season with a new side. Get behind the lads.

[Ric_C]

Screenshot_20240921_212911_Scores.jpg (208.82 KiB) Viewed 2994 times

[HurstGrangeClaret]

Followed the game on Sky Sports and not seen any highlights but everything points to us mostly controlling the game without playing particularly well. When needed, subs were used who had a massive impact showing our strength in depth.
We are a team still getting used to playing together, still finding out our strengths and weaknesses. But we are still finding ways to win.
We cannot compare what happened two seasons ago to what is happening now. Give SP a chance. We are in third place and we haven’t really clicked yet. What position will we be in when we do click?