Sky Sports pundit shares Portsmouth verdict after Colby Bishop return in win v Preston
Jobi McAnuff believes that the 3-1 win over Preston and the return of Colby Bishop will give Portsmouth the belief they have been lacking this season.
Fratton Park hosted the Lilywhites on 9 November in the Championship, and goals from Josh Murphy, Connor Ogilvie and Bishop sealed the three points for the home side.
The win was just the second of the season for John Mousinho’s team, and speaking on the Sky Sports’ Essential EFL Podcast [11 November], McAnuff thinks this could be the result that Pompey needed to turn things around.
“Colby Bishop, a big big part of that,” he said.
“And we have to factor that into maybe their struggles this season. How late that news came. Absolutely great that he recovered. Gets himself on the bench. Comes on and scores a penalty.
“So it does feel like a shift in the mentality of the football club and really good performance. John Mousinho, I’m sure, will be delighted. They will be absolutely thriving the next couple of weeks, jumping at the bit to get out for that next match.
“I think from their point of view, it could be the result that sort of gets them going and gives them a bit of belief that they’ve looked to lack at times this season.”
Portsmouth need to find consistency to stay in Championship
It was never going to be an easy task for Portsmouth to retain their status in the Championship this season after getting promoted from League One.
Pompey brought in a lot of players through the summer, but so far, not many of them have made a considerable impact.
Mousinho looked to players like veteran Matt Ritchie, and fans had every right to expect the 35-year-old to bring some much-needed experience to the team, but his struggles against Preston were discouraging.
What was encouraging, though, was the return of Bishop, who made a fairytale comeback and scored from the spot to seal the points.
The striker had not featured for Portsmouth before the win over the Lilywhites this season, and without him, they have lacked cutting edge in front of goal.
As things stand, Pompey are 23rd in the Championship, but they are just three points off Luton Town, who are just above the relegation zone.
There is still hope within the Fratton Park faithful that things can turn around, and Mousinho has proven in the past that he can bring the best out of the team when needed the most.
In other Portsmouth news, a finance expert has given his take on the board being blamed for their poor start to the season.
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