View: Portsmouth must put inconsistency behind them and take game to Watford
Portsmouth approach the Boxing Day fixture at Watford in inspired spirits, off the back of their home victory last time out.
Pompey put the dismal defeat by Derby County [13 December] swiftly behind them as they came from behind to hammer Coventry City 4-1 at Fratton Park last Saturday [21 December], Callum Lang of course starring with all four of the Blues’ goals.
While the performance – particularly from Lang himself who has been a shining light – was a real high point of the season, it also again demonstrated what John Mousinho’s side are capable of and it has not been shown enough in the Championship.
Boxing Day pits Pompey with the Hornets at Vicarage Road and Tom Cleverley’s Watford outfit are among those in the play-off hunt with 34 points from 21 games.
But Portsmouth will have enough to nick something in the festive clash if they can show that same belief and organisation on the field that they did against Coventry.
Portsmouth punished Coventry and must take it into Watford
Coventry boss Frank Lampard was among those to offer their dues to Mousinho and Pompey following what turned out to be a comprehensive win in the final offering for Blues fans before Christmas.
A fired-up away crowd will take to the visiting end at Vicarage Road with the hopes still shimmering that their side can take all three points.
Any complacency has to be capitalised upon. Portsmouth have the players who can hurt Watford going forward; certain members of the squad with experience are now consistently delivering. But in the Championship, the whole team must deliver to garner constant results.
There is no point taking a big leap forward only to be pushed back once again. While satisfying to cancel out Derby with the Coventry success, the corner can only be considered to be turned with a positive result at Watford.
There have been days against some of the EFL’s very best from which Pompey have emerged desperately unlucky to have nothing to show for their efforts. But now is the time for consistent points on the board, and that survival battle may not be so bad after all.
In other Portsmouth news, Colby Bishop needs time to return to his excellent best.
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