‘What are Portsmouth doing?’ – Michael Dawson cannot believe Sky Sports footage v Norwich
Portsmouth could not have started worse against Norwich City on Saturday.
Pompey lost 2-1 in the Carabao Cup against Reading in their previous fixture.
Adrian Segecic got Portsmouth’s season off to a strong start in a 1-0 win at Oxford United, but goals from Andre Garcia and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan condemned them to defeat on Tuesday night.
John Mousinho will be unhappy with his side’s bizarre defending against the Royals and will be even more frustrated with his backline in the first half against Norwich.
Pompey go into the break at Fratton Park 2-0 behind.
Michael Dawson amazed by Portsmouth footage
Mousinho has been adamant this summer that Portsmouth don’t need more defensive reinforcements.
Pompey lost Rob Atkinson and Ryley Towler, which has significantly weakened their defensive depth, as shown against Norwich.
In the first half, the Canaries were afforded two free headers from set pieces, and the first goal conceded frustrated Sky Sports pundit and former Hull City centre-back Michael Dawson.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (16 August, 12:37), Dawson said: “Harry Darling got the goal here where we’re gonna see it for, poor, poor defending.
“I mean, great ball in from [Marcelino] Nunez, but he just gets completely free. I’m not too sure what Portsmouth are doing.
“Darling then puts it into the back of the net and they’re 1-0 up.”
The Canaries were afforded two free headers, with Darling and Josh Sargent converting from Marcelino Nunez and Jose Cordoba’s deliveries.
Both goals will disappoint Mousinho, who will have to resolve the problem to make progress this season.
Their backline looked constantly on edge at Fratton Park, with Pompey number one Nicolas Schmid misplacing a pass of his own before making up for it with a smart stop.
Portsmouth still need defensive reinforcements
Pompey can’t afford to be giving opposition players so much free space in the box as they have done against the Canaries.
- Portsmouth conceded the third most in the Championship last season
- Mousinho has prioritised the signings of midfielders this summer
- The Blues boss has also stressed that he doesn’t need improvements in defence
They need stronger, more physical defenders than the likes of Conor Shaughnessy and Regan Poole.
With a tough game against West Brom coming up next weekend, Portsmouth will need to tighten up their defence, or their good start to the season could take a turn for the worse.
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