Portsmouth player ratings v Bristol City – Senior star in 2/10 shocker
Portsmouth returned to the bottom three of the Championship following a 3-0 defeat to Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
Anis Mehmeti’s brace and Rob Dickie’s strike put the Robins well into the ascendancy before the break in Pompey’s final game of 2024, as the Blues rotated their side to no positive effect.
It could well be a statement from John Mousinho towards the board for January, with pressure now mightily intense to bring in serious reinforcements for survival.
Here, Pompey News rates the performances of the team from Ashton Gate.
Portsmouth thoroughly outclassed at Bristol City
Nicolas Schmid – 6
Made four saves from shots inside the area and kept it from being more, and it’s not the first time that’s happened on the road, either. Developing into a sturdy Pompey ‘keeper, though not the finished article and needs a much more established defence in front of him.
Terry Devlin – 5
Was forced back too easily as Bristol City streamed forward for their second goal. A player still learning his trade if he is to continue as a right-back, and this was not one of his better days. Did however stay productive and won the majority of his challenges.
Marlon Pack – 2
Was at fault for the first goal, spun far too easily as Mehmeti strolled through to open the scoring. Operating the skipper at centre-half cannot be a long-term experiment for John Mousinho. Pack still has a role in this squad – it is absolutely not as a defender.
Ryley Towler – 3
A good professional who again looks out of his depth at this level. A loan would suffice in January but injuries and poor form elsewhere are putting paid to Mousinho’s plans. Looked too uncertain at times against his hometown club.
Connor Ogilvie – 3
Made two glaring errors for the third of the hosts’ goals, heading the ball straight back into danger before his ridiculously slow reaction as Dickie tapped the ball into the net. He has struggled too many times this season but has no fit competition. Better going forward than defensively.
January is massive for survival
Owen Moxon (off for Freddie Potts 65′) – 5
Busy in the middle of the park but outsmarted by the Bristol City midfield, especially in the first half. Was one of several brought in as Freddie Potts was rested.
Andre Dozzell – 4
Beaten too easily by Mehmeti for the second goal. The type of industrious player off the ball that Pompey need in the Championship, but was poor at Ashton Gate and it’s his inconsistency that prevents him becoming one of the league’s most effective in his position.
Matt Ritchie (off for Callum Lang 65′) – 4
A leader, but ineffective without the bulk of his experienced teammates around him. Is likely to be rested himself when others return, with Mousinho seemingly making a statement to the board ahead of January.
Paddy Lane – 4
Struggled with the pace of the game, did not put in a tackle in a defensively-based encounter and lost the majority of his duels. Not entirely his fault, looked fairly rusty.
Sammy Silvera (off for Josh Murphy 65′) – 3
Started the season a lively presence but has played little football since, and looks short of confidence. Barely played the ball forwards all afternoon and looked a shadow of his former self.
Colby Bishop (off for Christian Saydee 81′) – 5
Forced sporadic movement going forward, did his best with very little service. Without Lang and Murphy was isolated. Not to blame for any of the day’s glaring issues.
Substitutes
Freddie Potts (on for Owen Moxon 65′) – 5
Was introduced in a triple-pronged change with the game lost. Sprayed a few nice passes, but no meaningful impact as the Blues looked dejected.
Josh Murphy (on for Sammy Silvera 65′) – 5
Came on and was pretty quiet. Has to be back in the XI against Swansea.
Callum Lang (on for Matt Ritchie 65′) – 5
Came on with the game well beyond Pompey, not really involved. But where would the club be without him this season?
Christian Saydee (on for Colby Bishop 81′) – 5
Replaced a tired Bishop late on.
In other Portsmouth news, the Blues have to be wary of the potential improving form of a survival rival after their recent change.
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