Pompey gutted with draw against Milan
November 28, 2008
In only their first season in Europe in their history, and fielding a weakened team, Portsmouth were gutted last night with a 2-2 draw against six times European champions AC Milan.
The south coast side let a two goal lead slip to draw the game, when Inzaghi destroyed their hopes of claiming a famous victory with a goal in the dying seconds.
Younes Kaboul put Pompey in front, a goal that lit the touch paper inside Fratton Park and prompted the referee to request an announcement that fans remain in their seats and don’t invade the pitch! It got worse for Milan, and the nervy ref, when former Arsenal striker Kanu slotted home from close range to give the home side an unlikely 2-0 lead.
Just as the Portsmouth fans were turning red from pinching themselves, they came back to earth with a bump as Glen Johnson was found guilty of a foul just outside the box, despite winning the ball cleanly. From that sort of range, Brazilian Ronaldinho is lethal, and the mercurial winger rifled in an impossible shot past the England goalkeeper.
A nervous Pompey looked like hanging on until Inzaghi pounced in the last few seconds of injury time to level the game at 2-2, and deny Portsmouth what would have been the result of their history.
Tottenham stay bottom as Defoe and Crouch hit it off
September 28, 2008
The misery was piled on Spurs today as lost 2-0 at Portsmouth, keeping them rooted to the Premiership on 2 points for the season; a season that promised so much for Tottenham and had them dreaming of a top four finish.
Those are just dreams now, as the harsh reality of a relegation dog fight beckons for the misfiring team.
The goals were scored by former Spurs striker Jermain Defoe (who refused to celebrate his penalty strike) and Peter Crouch. Tottenham were ineffective going forward and failed to trouble what has been a leaky Portsmouth defence in the last few games. However David James was practically a spectator for the match.
After Defoe gave Portsmouth the lead from the spot, Crouch doubled the lead with his head. It could have been worse for Spurs as Defoe had a strike ruled out for offside before he opened the scoring.
The result means Spurs have now experienced their worst start to a season for fifty three years.
Manchester United secure first league win
August 26, 2008
Manchester United notched their first league win of the season last night as they beat Portsmouth at Fratton Park, securing the South coast club to the foot of the table.
With Chelsea and Liverpool leading the way with 2 wins from 2, United couldn’t afford to lose any more ground after their home draw to Newcastle on day one. They didn’t, and managed the win with a first half Darren Fletcher strike after Wayne Rooney set up the Scottish midfielder.
After their opening 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea, Portsmouth were counting on the sort of home form that saw them undefeated last season against the top four sides, United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. However it was not to be today for Portsmouth, as United held on to secure the win and leave Pompey without a point from two games.
The win for Manchester United sees them jump up the table to third spot, behind Chelsea and Liverpool.
United win the season curtain raiser
August 11, 2008
Manchester United triumphed in an uneventful opener to the Premier League season by defeating FA Cup holders Portsmouth 3-1 on penalties.
United had much the better of the game, dominating Pompy at times, but couldn’t make the most of their chances. In the shootout in was Portsmouth who faltered in front of goal, missing three penalties, handing victory to the Premiership champions.
For United, both Darren Fletcher and Carlos Tevez missed gilt edged chances for United, with David James in fine form. With Rooney and Ronaldo both absent today, and from the first game of the season next Sunday against Newcastle, it was clear from today’s performance that United need more firepower upfront.
Giggs was partnering Tevez in attack, but made little impact on the Portsmouth defence. Creating chances wasn’t United’s problem; it was finishing them they were having trouble with.
Nani looked impressive the whole game, but all too often his work lacked an end product.
Sulley Muntari looks to join Inter for £12.7 million
July 25, 2008
Sulley Muntari, the Portsmouth midfielder, looks likely to sign for Italian giants Inter Milan for £12.7 million in the next day or two. According to reports the Ghana international has penned a four-year deal with the Italian champions.
Muntari is just 23 and signed for Pompey for £7 million in 2007. He has played just one season for Pompey, and helped them win the FA Cup this year.
This could spell good news for Chelsea, as it means Inter and Jose Mourinho may now not be looking to sign Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard. It’s widely regarded that Mourinho wanted Lampard, but considered Muntari as an acceptable second best.
Harry Redknapp will not want to let his prized midfielder leave Fratton Park, but the cash injection will be welcome to the wheeler dealer manager.
Muntari will be leaving Pompey to play Champions League Football, for the champions of Italy under one of the best managers in the game. It was too much to resist.
Peter Crouch to join Portsmouth for £9 million
July 7, 2008
Liverpool’s lanky striker Peter Crouch looks set to join Portsmouth this week for £9 million. Initially Liverpool had slapped a £15 million price tag on the player, but have been forced to reduce their price as he only has a year remaining on his contract, meaning he could leave for free next summer.
It is believed that the fee could rise to £11 million depending on appearances.
Liverpool today announced:
We have reached a verbal agreement with Portsmouth and have given them permission to speak with Peter.
Crouch played for Pompey six years ago, and will form a new-look front line for the south coast side with former Liverpool target Jermain Defoe.
Crouch’s chances at Liverpool have been limited this season, starting just nine league games for the Anfield outfit. Despite having his chances restricted, Crouch has remained very popular with fans, as he’s scored an impressive 40 goals in just 135 appearances for Liverpool, many of those as a substitute.
FA Cup Celebration Photo’s
May 18, 2008
The dust has settled from the FA Cup win yesterday, the Portsmouth players were out till the late hours this morning and this afternoon participated in the traditional open bus parade around the city. From the weekend there has been some great pictures taken and heres the pick of the bunch.
Portsmouth win the F.A. Cup
May 17, 2008
A single goal from Kanu was enough for Portsmouth to beat Cardiff in this afternoon’s F.A. Cup. The games wasn’t the greatest but Championship Cardiff did have a good go at the Premier League outfit.
Cardiff settled well in the game and had the first chance of the half Joe Ledley slid Paul Parry through, his low shot was saved by David James. Portsmouth nearly took the lead when Kanu turned his marker in the box, rounded Cardiff stopper Peter Enckelman and with an open goal hit the outside of the post.
Kanu didn’t let the miss get him down, John Utaka cross was only parried by Enckelman and Kanu was on hand to score from close range much like his semi final goal. In the second half Cardiff pressed on but didn’t really make any clear cut chances.
Sir Bobby Robson handed the trophy to Sol Campbell who lifted the trophy for Pompy for the first time since 1939.
Portsmouth 0 – 0 Newcastle
April 13, 2008
After cracking form Newcastle were looking for another win while Pompy looked for a good follow up from reaching the F.A. Cup Final.
It turned out to be a bit of a non event, poor finishing form both sides meant for the draw, Defoe missed for the home side will David James pulled of a string of saves throughout the match the pick being when Owen first from two yards at James who saved with his head / afro.
Pompy beat WBA to secure FA Cup Final place
April 6, 2008
Portsmouth secured their place in the FA cup final yesterday beating Championship side West Bromwich Albion to ensure a top flight team in the cup final. WBA did have much of the possession in the game but were unable to great any real clear cut chances.
It was only in the second half when Portsmouth turned up and scored thanks to a former Wesy Brom player Kanu. The build up to the goal was controversial when Milan Baros appeared to handle the ball in the area, his shot was saved by Dean Kiley but Kanu was on hand to tap in from a couple of yards.
West Brom went for a equalizer but the closest they came was a Robert Koran shot from outside the area which clipped the top of David James’s bar.
Overall it was closer than expected but West Brom were unable to show that cutting edge which has helped them in the championship. Portsmouth now reach the final for the first time since 1939 and await the winners of the other semi-final Cardiff V Barnsley.
