David Norris: Portsmouth toothless v Sunderland as they learn the Championship the hard way
Portsmouth were “toothless” against Sunderland but will learn from their opening Championship matches in the long run, according to David Norris.
Pompey suffered a 3-1 Fratton Park defeat against the league leaders in what the former midfielder claimed was a case of the team “finding their feet”, having drawn all of their previous matches in August.
Whilst awaiting their first win of the season, the club have only so far faced promotion hopefuls in the division.
Speaking exclusively to Pompey News, Norris said: “Sunderland are used to the league now, Portsmouth are still finding their feet, and they met them at a tough time – but when you look at the teams Pompey have faced, it’s not so bad.
“Pompey were a bit toothless and got nullified, but that’s probably with credit to Sunderland more than anything else. The team will learn as the season goes on, and by halfway through should be more settled and confident.
“These aren’t the games that will define the season – it will be more the results against the bottom-half sides as time goes on.”
Portsmouth to improve as season goes on
Despite disappointment against Sunderland, the bigger picture is a bright one on the South Coast.
It’s tricky to pinpoint exactly where things have gone wrong not to allow a win in the first four matches, but as much as anything, it has been the strength and financial muscle of their opponents.
Pompey will not be soaring towards the top two; a top six challenge would be massively ambitious. But a steady season is the aim and there are certainly far more than three weaker teams in the division.
Hard-fought contests, injustices, maybe the odd hiding will come. But memorable wins, unexpected smash-and-grabs (Leeds and Middlesbrough were not far off exactly that), that odd bit of luck will.
And that is what continues to make the coming months a reason for huge excitement at Portsmouth.
Up next? Second-placed, unbeaten West Brom. The Championship for you.
In other Portsmouth news, the latest on a fierce derby clash in November.
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