Portsmouth to ‘step up transfer search’ as Josh Murphy concern emerges vs Norwich
Portsmouth fell to a 2-1 home defeat against Norwich on Saturday.
John Mousinho’s Blues have had a mixed start to the season, with the opening day 1-0 victory away to Oxford followed by a 2-1 defeat against Norwich at Fratton Park.
Summer signing Adrian Segecic was on the scoresheet in both encounters, showcasing just how good a signing he will prove to be for Pompey this season.
However, while his qualities have been on full display since his arrival, the latest defeat to the Canaries showcased an area that Portsmouth are going to need to address.
Josh Murphy needs direct competition at Pompey
Josh Murphy is a joy to watch when he is at his best, but when he isn’t, Portsmouth have every few, if any, immediate backup plans.
That was the case against Norwich when Murphy failed to have much of an influence on the game, though it is clear why.
Murphy suffered an injury earlier this summer, and you could sense the lack of sharpness in his game at Fratton Park, where he managed to complete just five passes.
Murphy’s stats last season
- 42 appearances
- 7 goals
- 14 assists
At his best, he is a star, and that was demonstrated by some of the interest shown in him ahead of the current Championship campaign.
Portsmouth need someone to keep pushing him, and who can step in at times like this without Mousinho losing that quality in his starting 11.
Portsmouth still have work to do this summer
Finding an alternative to Murphy is certainly a smart idea, though it remains to be seen whether it is something Portsmouth pursue.
Colby Bishop’s penalty miss exposed a lack of clinical finishing ability that Mousinho has available, meaning a striker may be another area that Pompey looks to strengthen in the final two weeks of the window.
Six new arrivals have checked in at Fratton Park so far this summer, and there is every chance that a few more will arrive in the next 14 days.
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