Portsmouth turn it around
It looks like Harry Redknapp has managed to weave some magic into Portsmouth after all. It looked hopeless a few weeks ago, 8 points back and a goal difference of -12. But a Pedro Mendes goal sent the ball rolling a few weeks ago and it’s culminated with a 1-0 win against Middlesbrough Saturday.
The win was the first time since probably November that Pompey has been out of the relegation three. Help from West Brom and Birmingham losses makes it 3 points above the bottom. There are 4 games to go this season, if Portsmouth can get 5 or 6 more points they should be safe. They may survive with just a win and a draw.
Unbeaten in 6 matches it’s the mid season signings that are making a big difference. Pedro Mendes has been inspirational since his move from Tottenham. He sparked the entire run with that smashing last minute goal against Manchester City in March.
Portsmouth’s least successful signing, 4m pound striker Benjani has not scored for the club yet, but was able to setup the winner on Saturday. While critics abound, he’s a fantastic player. Yes, his start has been slow, terrible even, but he’s worked hard and has been playing well recently. I get the feeling he’ll score in his next game.
What a turnaround story. I had written Portsmouth off. They face Charlton Athletic away today followed by Sunderland, Wigan and Liverpool to close the season. It looks like the easiest of the schedules when you consider Birmingham draw Blackburn, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton and West Brom have to face Bolton, Newcastle, West Ham and Everton. I’d say they’ve survived and deserve it.
The win was the first time since probably November that Pompey has been out of the relegation three. Help from West Brom and Birmingham losses makes it 3 points above the bottom. There are 4 games to go this season, if Portsmouth can get 5 or 6 more points they should be safe. They may survive with just a win and a draw.
Unbeaten in 6 matches it’s the mid season signings that are making a big difference. Pedro Mendes has been inspirational since his move from Tottenham. He sparked the entire run with that smashing last minute goal against Manchester City in March.
Portsmouth’s least successful signing, 4m pound striker Benjani has not scored for the club yet, but was able to setup the winner on Saturday. While critics abound, he’s a fantastic player. Yes, his start has been slow, terrible even, but he’s worked hard and has been playing well recently. I get the feeling he’ll score in his next game.
What a turnaround story. I had written Portsmouth off. They face Charlton Athletic away today followed by Sunderland, Wigan and Liverpool to close the season. It looks like the easiest of the schedules when you consider Birmingham draw Blackburn, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton and West Brom have to face Bolton, Newcastle, West Ham and Everton. I’d say they’ve survived and deserve it.
by Football Commentator at 4/17/2006 09:32:00 AM
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Benjani was 4 million badly wasted. Any Premier League team would be better off without him.. But I really hope 'Arry gets Big Johnny Hartson for next year to bolster his plans to take Pompey to the Europe!
Pedro mendes was a good pickup but do you think he is well suited for that team?
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