Pompey’s loss of form since the start of 2019 has been associated by many with the return of midfielder Ben Thompson to Millwall, when that club called him back from loan.

The energetic displays from Thompson in midfield helped Pompey maintain a tempo of play that ensured the ball moved quickly . The ball was shifted promptly out to the flanks where Curtis and Brown, on the left and Lowe and Nathan Thompson, on the right created and scored plenty of Pompey’s goals in the first half of the season. It worked well in the main, except when Charlton Athletic came to Fratton Park and a different style of midfield play was seen, but from the opposition.

The visitors had a middle trio who switched the ball quickly between each other, keeping it away from Pompey’s tackling midfielders and then when they advanced into Pompey’s half, drawing defenders out of position, the ball was slipped through to one of two attackers who worked across the defensive line, rather than holding set positions.

Contrast this with Pompey’s formula of a central big man, two wide players, who occasionally switch wings, with ball distribution coming from a central pair in the middle. We saw it again at The Valley, where some brave defending and miscued Pompey shots in last few minutes ensured Charlton held on for a win.

Charlton looked slicker on the ball than Pompey, who play in a style that seems mechanical by comparison. Charlton’s players in most positions were also tougher in the tackle. They won the ball from Pompey players, they won 50/50 challenges, they persisted in tackling; all whilst staying upright. There was hardly a sliding tackle made at The Valley by either side, but it was astounding to see how many challenges Charlton won.

Charlton’s manager’s attitude and aggressive style of play when a footballer made him one of Pompey’s most disliked opponents. He seems to have passed on how to win tackles, (but fairly), onto his protegés at The Valients. He was one of those players who it would always be preferable to have on your side than on the opposition’s. He never played for Pompey, so he was a horrible opponent who we loved to beat – which was quite often. He seems to hold a permanent grudge against Pompey, (as it seems he does against most other clubs too, to be fair).

Bowyer is moulding a fast moving, creative team at Charlton that is good to watch – unless you are a Pompey fan.

Pompey did come back into the game, but missed the chances they had created. The change came with a super-charged Brett Pitman playing behind the attackers and spreading play and feeding through passes.

I felt that in the home game against Blackpool Pitman should have played behind Andre Green, as his lack of pace is more than compensated for by his strength on the ball. His aggression is about goals. He wants to threaten the goal, not just pass to a blue shirt.

Perhaps the Pitman Problem (i.e. why is he not picked to start every game?) could be resolved by playing him in a deeper role. He will always give Pompey goals. He has a powerful shot, he would be able to support the other big man up front, he shows fight that gets his team-mates moving, rattles the defenders and enthuses the fans. He has a domineering presence that needs focusing.

Brett Pitman ‘s future at Pompey seems to be in the balance, but if he could drop just those few yards behind Hawkins, Pompey may see the best of him yet and he could add years to his career. Teddy Sheringham did just that to great effect as he grew older and he played on until his was 42.

Pompey need a goal scoring midfielder who can fight for the ball in the final third of the pitch. Someone who has the nous to add a bit of flair and devilry to the attack. Ladies and gentlemen, we have that player…Brett Pitman.

p.s. And so it came to pass, Brett Pitman played in the “No 10” role at Walsall on 12th March and played a decisive part in a 2-3 away win. It was a relief to realise he was on the pitch when the penalty was awarded to Pompey, (he had replaced Gareth Evans in the XI, the usual penalthy taker), as it was not obvious who might have stepped up confidently at that point after Omar Bogle’s disappointing effort against Barnsley. The third goal came about from Pitman’s hard challenge, from the floor, when he regained possession on the halfway line and then passed the ball wide to set up the breakaway.

Well done Mr Jackett for working with Brett Pitman to find him a role he can thrive in! Now, about defending corners…

CLP 10/03/2019