View: 40% Matt Ritchie needs to do more after Portsmouth win v Bristol City
John Mousinho will demand more from Matt Ritchie after his below-par performance for Portsmouth in their 3-0 win against Bristol City on Saturday.
Pompey cruised to a comfortable victory at Fratton Park on 7 December, courtesy of goals from Colby Bishop, Josh Murphy and Callum Lang.
The result saw Mousinho’s side pick up seven points from nine in their last three games, edging them closer to clawing out of the relegation zone.
However, the likes of Ritchie need to do more if the Hampshire-based club want to ensure they do not remain in the bottom three.
Matt Ritchie lost possession 16 times in Portsmouth win v Bristol City
The 35-year-old was on the pitch for 67 minutes before being replaced by Paddy Lane. He managed to complete only five of his 10 passes during that time despite having 35 touches [Sofascore].
As one of Portsmouth’s set-piece takers, the veteran attempted eight crosses but failed to find his target on each of those instances.
Ritchie’s heatmap against Bristol City demonstrates he was all over the place, which explains his minimal influence on the game.
Furthermore, the former Newcastle ace lost possession 16 times – a worrying number for an experienced player like him.
The Scot’s contributions in defence were also little to none as he made one tackle and one clearance. Of the five ground duels he engaged in, he won only two. To his credit, however, he won the only aerial duel he attempted.
Nevertheless, there is no denying that Ritchie’s performance against the Robins left much to be desired.
Portsmouth are facing an uphill battle to avoid relegation this season and Mousinho needs his experienced players to fire on all cylinders and lead from the front.
Instead, Ritchie only has one goal to show for the 14 appearances he has made for Pompey so far this season.
In other Portsmouth news, Ian Darke has sent an urgent message to Pompey after they took a “punt”.
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