Whittingham makes Portsmouth admission after Burnley antics
Portsmouth have also been guilty in the past of the time-wasting of which Burnley were accused as the two sides faced off at Fratton Park, according to Guy Whittingham.
Despite Burnley chasing promotion back to the Premier League, they looked to take their time and play out the goalless draw on the South Coast, which is how the game panned out as they just couldn’t find the cutting edge.
The Clarets have conceded just nine goals in 30 games this season, as Pompey tried to break down the resolute door and defended well at the other end, as Conor Shaughnessy started for the first time since August.
Whittingham told BBC Radio Solent (via Pompey+, 1 February, 16:25): “It’s obviously a call to arms for Burnley with Trafford going down, the players all raced over. They knew exactly what to do.
“John Mousinho has done it before as well, so it’s exactly the same thing.”
Portsmouth will take the stalemate v Burnley
Before the game, most Portsmouth fans would have taken a point against promotion-challenging Burnley.
While it was a hard-fought point, however, Pompey will consider themselves unfortunate not to take the victory, especially through James Trafford’s save from Matt Ritchie and then Colby Bishop’s chance in injury time.
For Burnley who have performed so well in so many games this season, Pompey have provided two significant separate challenges as the Clarets were so fortunate to win the reverse fixture in September.
The Blues must take confidence from the game and know they can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the division, as they look to remain above the drop zone.
There will also be one eye remaining on the transfer window as it slams shut on Monday (3 February) at 11pm, in hope that the Blues could get another one or two over the line.
In other Portsmouth news, the work permit issues for Adil Aouchiche’s transfer evaporated in the same day on Friday.
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