Adrian Segecic goal hides struggles – Three things learned as Portsmouth lose vs Norwich
Portsmouth continued their Championship campaign with a demoralising 2-1 defeat to Norwich.
John Mousinho named a heavily changed team for their second Championship game of the season, who struggled against a tough Norwich side on Saturday.
The Blues were handed a lifeline from the penalty spot against the Canaries in the second half, but Colby Bishop‘s missed spot kick summed it up at Fratton Park.
Mousinho will have learned plenty about his squad after the display, and with that in mind, Pompey News picks out three things we learned from the defeat.
Adrian Segecic struggles against Norwich
After impressing and scoring in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Oxford, Adrian Segecic looked like a different player against Norwich.
The Australian was non-existent against the Canaries and made no attacking input until his late goal.
Segecic wasn’t the only one to struggle in the defeat, with Bishop and Callum Lang also failing to make an impact.
His poor showing is a sign that the attacking midfielder needs more time to bed in and adjust to English football.
If he continues to score, regardless of his performances, that is still a positive sign.
- Read more: John Mousinho must avoid this one crucial mistake when Portsmouth team news drops vs Norwich
Callum Lang and Colby Bishop given no service
Lang and Bishop have shown that when given service, they can offer a huge goal threat.
The pair weren’t offered much service in the defeat to Norwich and were largely fed on scraps.
- Pompey scored 58 Championship goals last season
- Ten were scored by Callum Lang
- Bishop also notched 11
Lang was utilised at right-wing, but would have been better served playing as a striker or in behind Bishop.
Lang has been linked with a departure from Fratton Park this summer, and was taken off injured at the hour mark, which will worry supporters given their poor performance against the Canaries.
Bishop’s inability to work his way into the game against Norwich is a sign that Mousinho needs to add another forward to his ranks to take the pressure off his number nine.
Portsmouth were awful at defending set pieces vs Norwich
Pompey showed defensive instability against the Canaries, especially from set pieces.
Mousinho has been adamant that his side doesn’t need any more defenders this summer, but it is important that he addresses issues with Pompey’s defending from set pieces.
Conor Shaughnessy and Regan Poole have been utilised in defence since the departure of Rob Atkinson and Ryler Towler.
- Portsmouth conceded the third most in the Championship last season
- Mousinho has prioritised the signings of midfielders and attackers, despite conceding 71 goals in the Championship last season
Pompey conceded from two free headers against the Canaries from set pieces, and Mousinho will be hoping that his squad learn from the mistakes next time out.
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