View: Jacob Farrell impresses on Portsmouth debut in 0-0 draw v Sheffield United
John Mousinho will have been delighted by Jacob Farrell’s debut for Portsmouth against Sheffield United.
Pompey earned a much-needed point at Fratton Park on Saturday (28 September), drawing 0-0 with Chris Wilder’s side, with the Sheffield United boss speaking highly of Pompey after the match.
After three straight defeats in the EFL Championship, Mousinho and his players would have been desperate to stop the rut.
Therefore, although his side weren’t able to claim their first win of the season against the Blades, a point would have more than sufficed.
Portsmouth have had some tricky matches upon their return to the second-flight of English football. After just seven matches played, they have already come up against six of the Championship’s current top eight.
They finally have a more favourable fixture on the horizon, with a trip to the bet365 Stadium to take on 20th-placed Stoke City on Wednesday (2 October).
Earning a point against the Blades will give them some confidence going into that fixture. However, what will have them feeling more confident is the fact they were able to keep a clean sheet.
And after his performance at left-back on debut, Farrell will be expecting to keep his place in the team for the trip to Stoke.
Farrell signed for Portsmouth from Central Coast Mariners this summer for an undisclosed fee.
However, his start to life in England was derailed by an injury issue which saw him miss the first part of the season.
He was finally able to make his debut for the club on Saturday, and Mousinho would have been delighted to get him involved.
Jacob Farrell impresses on debut for Portsmouth v Sheffield United
Sheffield United is not an easy side to make your Championship debut against. Therefore, after Farrell’s performance against the Blades, it is clear that Connor Ogilvie is going to have a fight on his hands to reclaim the left-back position.
As per Sofascore, Farrell made five clearances, four interceptions and one tackle against the Blades.
In addition, he won 100 per cent of his aerial duels and two of his three ground duels on what was a relatively flawless debut from a defensive perspective.
However, he will need to show more going forward. Although the 21-year-old completed 76 per cent of his passes, both of his crosses into the box were inaccurate, and only two of his six long balls were accurate.
He also had just one shot which was off target. However, it would be hard for Mousinho to be too disappointed by this considering the Australian’s performance was a big reason his side kept a clean sheet.
Ogilvie had played in every Championship game before the draw with Sheffield United. However, after Farrell’s performance, it looks as if he might be set for a spell on the bench.
In other Portsmouth news, Mousinho has admitted his frustration as an injury update is shared on one player at the club.
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