Mousinho magic highlighted by telling Portsmouth supercomputer reveal
John Mousinho has rightly been hailed for keeping Portsmouth afloat at the first time of asking in the Championship.
Despite dwelling in the cellars of the relegation zone for most of the season, Pompey hit form when it mattered.
Although the South Coast side finished the season in 16th, it could have been very different, according to statistics.
Pompey overachieved in the Championship, Opta reveals
Last summer, there were mixed predictions on how Portsmouth would do in the Championship.
While they had only just been crowned League One champions, many thought they would find the Championship transition easy.
Of course, it was not such a breeze for Mousinho’s side, as they struggled for consistency in the second tier.
However, Pompey switched it on when it mattered and even managed to secure safety with two games to spare.
Although their home form was pivotal in securing their Championship status, there is another factor that helped them get over the line.
Portsmouth were expected to finish in 19th, based on xG for and against in games, according to Opta Analyst.
| Expected position | Team | XGF (scored) | XGA (conceded) | XPTS (points) |
| 19th | Portsmouth | 55.6 | 70.3 | 55.9 |
| 20th | Watford | 55.5 | 67.0 | 54.5 |
| 21st | Cardiff City | 47.4 | 64.8 | 52.3 |
| 22nd | Stoke City | 51.3 | 73.9 | 48.0 |
| 23rd | Oxford United | 41.8 | 67.0 | 46.9 |
| 24th | Plymouth Argyle | 40.9 | 85.3 | 37.5 |
This tells you that Mousinho’s men were clinical in front of goal, but actually conceded more goals than they should have done.
Portsmouth must keep hold of Mousinho
Given Mousinho’s success at Fratton Park, it is no wonder he is a wanted man.
The 39-year-old has worked wonders on the South Coast and in such a short space of time, too.
With a League One title and Championship survival on his CV, he has been linked with pastures new.
West Brom were one of the clubs interested in the former Burton Albion player, but he has reaffirmed his position at Pompey.
There are likely to be more managerial departures in the second-tier, though, meaning speculation could grow.
Middlesbrough are currently considering Michael Carrick’s future, and if he were to be given the boot, Mousinho would be the perfect replacement.
Portsmouth’s boss is young and hungry and has been vocal about building on his success on the South Coast.
Supporters will be hoping that Mousinho is loyal and a man of his word as they embark on another exciting season.