Matchday Musings: Sunderland Edge Past Pompey to Keep Promotion Push Alive
01/05/2025 05:14 PM
A clinical start and defensive grit saw Sunderland overcome Portsmouth, moving closer to the top three despite a nervy finish.
Sunday's clash played host to two former shipbuilding powerhouses, both one club cities, with equally passionate and fanatical fanbases. Understandably, there was always an extra bite when the two sides faced each other down in the lower echelons which was League One. Thankfully, that "big game" feel that gave rise to a forced rivalry is now just a distant memory, with the meeting treated like any other.
Following a brilliant start to 2025 with a win over fellow promotion-chasers, Sheffield United on New Year's Day, we were seeking to make it two wins from two and build some momentum heading into the second half of the season. Despite the nationwide adverse weather, the snow and sleet weren't enough to overcome the trusty undersoil heating at the Stadium of Light.
Regis Le Bris opted for the same winning formula that topped the Blades in midweek, with Aji Alese keeping Dennis Cirkin out of the side once again.
In the freezing, unrelenting rain the lads quickly imposed themselves against a side who'd won just once away from home all season. The reason for Pompey's "leaky" reputation very quickly became abundantly apparent, allowing us ample space and time to hit them on the counterattack.
Our visitors' defensive openness saw Wilson Isidor find the net after just seven minutes. Dan Neil drove forward, playing it to Eliezer Mayenda who craftily threaded it through to Isidor who needed no invitation to slot it past the oncoming Schmid.
While Pompey's response to going behind early on was positive, we continued to probe, with Patrick Roberts coming agonisingly close to doubling our lead after a brilliant ball in by a resurgent Adil Auochice. The Frenchman came close himself just moments later when he cut in from the left and bended one that was destined for the bottom corner, only to be denied by a strong hand.
Portsmouth were by no means slouches and sought to punish any sign of defensive fragility, an issue that has caught us out on several occasions in recent matches. So, when Josh Murphy rode off Dan Neil's challenge and had seemingly the whole goal to aim at, the sight of him blazing over the bar was met with a collective sigh of relief.
As the first-half drew to a close, Mayenda's rushed effort saw him squander a golden opportunity, lashing the ball into the side netting.
Worryingly, Aji Alese went off at half-time, meaning Dennis Cirkin was called upon earlier than expected. The second-half saw more of the same, with us getting joy down the left via Aouchiche. Although, on too many occasions the PSG graduate's decision making and final product left a lot to be desired; frequently cutting into traffic or looking for the Hollywood pass. While his talent is there for all to see, honing his raw ability is a must in the coming weeks and months.
Just over an hour played, and John Mousinho's Pompey were reduced to 10 men when Marlon Pack cynically bundled over Isidor who was through on goal. While we looked to add to our tally, with a Mayenda effort cleared off the line and a Roberts' corner almost catching out the goalkeeper, it was Portsmouth who looked the more likely to score.
We were far from convincing defensively, inviting unnecessary pressure by often being too laboured playing it out from the back. There was a shakiness to us that wasn't present earlier in the campaign, perhaps it's due to the nature of the goals we've conceded in recent weeks or simply down to the pressure being on against 10 men. Either way, we allowed Pompey opportunities back into the game through error and lapse in concentration.
In spite of a shaky end to the game, a win is a win and it keeps us very much on the coattails of the top three. Mayenda and Isidor's partnership seems to be going from strength to strength which is massively encouraging.
What's more is while we should have been out of sight in the first-half, our chance creation is excellent and it is now just about being more clinical when presented with opportunities. In all, this was hardly a game that showcased quintessential Le Bris ball, however, it takes us to within three points of Leeds and builds on Thursday's brilliant result.
