Tonda Eckert wearing a Southampton jacket, staring in the direction of Portsmouth FC boss John Mousinho

Tonda Eckert and John MousinhoImago

Three Portsmouth questions to emerge this week - how damaging is Southampton derby defeat?

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Published on:

13 Oct 2026, 1:30 pm

Portsmouth are still reeling from defeat to Southampton in the South Coast derby.

Pompey were looking for a morale boost after a three-week international break in Sunday's contest against their rivals.

But John Mousinho's side slipped to a 1-0 defeat at St Mary's Stadium, with James Bree's goal in the 20th minute separating the teams.

Southampton also had Cam Bragg sent off on the stroke of half-time to give the visitors hopes.

However, Pompey could not make the most of the numerical advantage, and are just one point above the relegation zone.

Here, Pompey News looks at three questions to have emerged from Fratton Park over the past week.

How damaging is Portsmouth's defeat to Southampton?

Ultimately, only time will tell on this one.

But in the context of a season that has not really ignited, it is hugely disappointing to see Pompey's rivals take the bragging rights.

Defeat was painful enough to stomach for Portsmouth, but playing the second half against 10 men and not doing enough to really hurt Southampton just adds to the woes.

Portsmouth have a home clash against Sheffield United on Wednesday, and that will be a big test to see just how much psychological damage has been inflicted.

Portsmouth predicted XI vs Sheffield United: Zak Swanson axed as two changes made

Do Portsmouth need more firepower?

The obvious answer to this one really is merely "yes".

Portsmouth have scored nine goals in eight Championship outings thus far this season.

Only five teams have registered fewer than that in the second tier, and Mousinho needs his attackers to start firing if they are to climb the league.

Against Southampton, Portsmouth had 16 shots to the hosts' seven.

However, they only managed three on target - the same as Southampton - and had an inferior xG of 1.18 to 1.28, forging just one "big chance".

Was John Mousinho proactive enough?

Despite having the extra man, Portsmouth never truly troubled Southampton in the final moments.

Did Mousinho do enough to shift the momentum? Or was he too passive?

It felt like the visitors needed to do more to shift the ball quicker, and create overloads to force more opportunities on goal.

Overall, it was just a bad day at the office for everyone of a Pompey persuasion.

Sheffield United Football Club

Southampton Football Club

Portsmouth Football Club

James Bree

Cameron Bragg

John Mousinho