Portsmouth player ratings v Burnley – 5/10 struggles, defender 9/10
Portsmouth played out a goalless stalemate with Burnley at Fratton Park with a valuable point in the Championship.
The Blues’ defence were solid throughout and threatened themselves to win the game, with Burnley – who have only conceded nine times all season – eventually standing firm.
Pompey will take confidence from the result, which brings to an end successive defeats.
Pompey News rated the performance of each Blues player out of 10 at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth defence superb v Burnley
Nicolas Schmid – 6
Made five saves, kept Burnley at bay when they did attack. Attempted to play his usual vast amounts of long balls upfield, to mixed success.
Zak Swanson (off for Terry Devlin 87′) – 7
Defended smartly and got forward well, could have scored when Trafford denied his header from Murphy’s inviting cross.
Conor Shaughnessy (off for Hayden Matthews 71′) – 8
Excellent to finally see him back in the starting line-up, brings a more commanding presence and is an out-and-out defender alongside another of his kind in Atkinson.
Rob Atkinson – 9
Won his duels, kept Burnley quiet and looked comfortable alongside Shaughnessy, as the two partnered up for the first time. Has shown some great qualities since arriving and long may his fitness flourish.
Connor Ogilvie – 7
Tighter to his man than usual, which is a welcome sight. Got forward when he could and very nearly fed Bishop early in the second half. Has enjoyed a good week from a personal perspective, after a good display against Millwall despite the defeat.
Andre Dozzell – 8
Came in for Isaac Hayden here and glided around the pitch, sweeping up and acting the force in midfield. Does a lot of the unnoticed work which was particularly pertinent against a very solid opponent.
Freddie Potts (off for Isaac Hayden 65′) – 6
A fairly quiet game for the young midfielder, kept things ticking but lost out in several duels to Burnley’s central players. Remains vitally important.
Matt Ritchie (off for Cohen Bramall 87′) – 7
Lively as ever, so close to scoring late on but was denied by Trafford. Always makes you forget his age when he’s on the field. Could hear him even if you were watching from Burnley. Also threatened with a chance late in the first half which should have been a corner.
Callum Lang – 5
Struggled in 50/50s similarly to Millwall, has been unsuccessful in his attempts to get things going against sturdy defences of late. It’s not for the want of trying, however, and he remains integral to the side.
Josh Murphy – 8
His dangerous self down the left once again, and his threat out wide should have seen Roberts given a second yellow just before half-time, and he set up chances to win the game from his channel.
Colby Bishop – 5
Had a great chance to score in stoppage time and missed. Worked hard, needs a goal to restore his full confidence in the Championship. Was no fault of his own other than his own chance with Pompey just lacking that end product at times despite looking initially creative.
Substitutes
Isaac Hayden (on for Freddie Potts 65′) – 6
Hayden Matthews (on for Conor Shaughnessy 71′) – 6
Cohen Bramall (on for Matt Ritchie 87′) – N/A
Terry Devlin (on for Zak Swanson 87′) – N/A
In other Portsmouth news, the work permit issue surrounding Adil Aouchiche is solved as he becomes a Pompey player.
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