Portsmouth F.C. currently sit rock bottom of the Championship table, with only one win in their entire campaign. It has been a surprising start for Pompey especially when looking at the position of the other League One graduates last season. Derby County sit 14th in the table with the biggest shock coming from Oxford United, who are 19th- two points from the drop zone.
The South-East side was by far the strongest team last season, tallying 97 points and only five defeats. Credit was shared between the entire club; however, fans highlighted John Mousinho as a tactical powerhouse.
Mousinho tactics in League One.
A standard Pompey side played a 4-2-3-1 system. During an attack or possession of the ball, the shape would change into a 2-4-4. The goalkeeper would involve two narrow centre-backs to make a back three with the full-backs joining the two holding midfielders. The attacking midfielder, usually Callum Lang, would join the front three to make an attacking four.
The Portsmouth boss’s strongest quality is his ability to adapt. The third tier of football was at its most competitive last season, with teams like Bolton Wanderers breathing down the league leaders’ neck. Some would argue Pompey’s most dominating display was a 2-0 victory at home to The Trotters.
The Blues had to combat a pressing 5-3-2 system; the head coach spread the two centre-halves making it much more difficult for Bolton’s front two to press. This was evidently successful, with the visitors only recording two shots on target.
What changed this season?
Looking at Portsmouth’s most recent fixture against Hull City, the side picked up a 1-1 draw courtesy of former Oxford man Josh Murphy.
Pompey are currently harbouring five major injuries, including talisman Colby Bishop and Irishman Conor Shaughnessy. It’s clear to assume Fratton Park is struggling with an injury crisis, which has resulted in Mousinho having to call upon players. Tom McIntyre made only one appearance last season for the Blues but has already made nine appearances out of a possible 13.
Secondly, Portsmouth have had one of the more challenging lists of fixtures including: Burnley, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United. The only result where Pompey claimed all three points was against an also struggling QPR. They are still yet to play Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth who are the third team sitting in the relegation zone.
How can Portsmouth survive?
It’s not abnormal for a newly promoted side to be sitting at the bottom of the table. Aspirations for Pompey were no more than survival and that is something very plausible, only 13 games into the season. The transfer window will reopen in January and Portsmouth will look to bolster their squad. The manager will most likely look towards a new goalscorer, as his side has only scored six goals in league fixtures.
All in all, it’s not ridiculous to have hope as a Portsmouth fan. Fratton Park is always a tricky destination for travelling teams. Plymouth Argyle are next to host the South-East side, which is a massive game for both teams involved. In terms of Mousinho, it would be imprudent to sack him so early on in a season however, results need to be churned out soon.