Pompey 0 - Aston Villa 1
No victory, no home goals, no points, not even a glimpse of Javier Saviola. Yet plenty of hope.
Last night saw defeat number nine during Tony Adams' time at the Pompey helm, this time Aston Villa triumphing.
A mere four wins eked out during that time – two of those coming against Bristol City and the less than impressive Heerenveen – have condemned the rookie boss to a relegation battle.
Make no mistake, that's what the Blues currently find themselves embroiled in, perched rather precariously three points above the dreaded drop zone.
A Villa victory at Fratton Park it may have been last night, but at least Adams' men ended on a high.
Admittedly, they didn't finish with 10 men, but they did unquestionably finish with a grand flourish to suggest things may soon be getting a whole lot better.
Particularly if the deliciously anticipated arrival of Argentine superstar Saviola is completed before the transfer window closes.
In truth, last night was always going to be a big, big ask for Pompey.
No side in the Premier League have picked up more away wins and points than Villa.
The subsequent win for the visitors also secured a club record of six successive top-flight triumphs.
Interestingly, up until the final four games of last season, Pompey were seen as Villa's top-six rivals.
Now they couldn't be further apart.
Only goal difference is currently keeping Martin O'Neill's side from second spot while their tally of 47 points is almost double that of the Blues.
Still, after a disappointing opening 45 minutes, the Blues shrugged off the contrasting recent fortunes to make the away day specialists truly squirm.
Had Peter Crouch somehow not contrived to prod the ball wide from five yards out it could have been a whole lot more uncomfortable.
It would have been no more than Pompey deserved in a barnstorming second period which had the home fans on their feet and applauding in appreciation come the final whistle.
Many even lingered long enough to produce a stirring rendition of 'Play up Pompey' as their heroes trudged disappointed off the pitch.
It was a true reflection of the appreciation for the impressive last 45-minute efforts of a side which continues to show plenty of heart through such nervy times.
All this despite the Blues being forced to play the final 19 minutes with 10 men after Nadir Belhadj's mindless dismissal.
The Algerian international petulantly kicked out at Craig Gardner in the first half before earning a second yellow for toeing the ball away in disgust during the second period.
Not that you could have noticed the numerical advantage as Adams' men simply shrugged off his absence and continued to hammer away at Villa.
Sol Campbell – himself withdrawn at half-time through a hip problem – would ultimately curse the intervention of bad luck for his side not grabbing a point.
Similarly, debutant Hayden Mullins later revealed his disbelief his new team-mates were not rewarded for their efforts.
He would also confidently predict a repeat of such a performance would see the threat of relegation swiftly dispelled.
Adams was, as Adams always is, full of the joys of life, smiling his way through the post-match press conference and preaching the positives.
Yet it's hard to disagree with any of them, regardless of the final result which still keeps the Blues looking nervously over their shoulder.
Defeat it may have been but with Fulham coming up, those leaving Fratton Park last night did so with a renewed vigour that maybe things are on the up.
They are if Jermaine Pennant has anything to do with it, once again outstanding in what was his second match following his loan switch from Liverpool.
Restored to his rightful place on the right-hand side of midfield, the former Arsenal man was a constant attacking outlet and one which Villa often found too hot to handle.
Meanwhile, Mullins enjoyed an impressive debut in the centre of midfield, although there was no place in the squad for Portuguese under-21 international Pele.
Still, Adams reverted to the 4-4-2 system many have been crying out for, presenting Kanu with his first league start of the season and bringing back Hermann Hreidarsson and Glen Johnson. It was Villa, though, who would get the breakthrough on 21 minutes, Emile Heskey flicking on Brad Friedel's goal kick and maintaining his run to collect Gaby Agbonlahor's header and drive home.
With half-time approaching, Agbonlahor somehow drove wastefully wide with just David James to beat.
The second half signalled Pompey dominance, however, as the hosts forced 17 corners and Villa wilted.
Then came Crouch's golden opportunity, Pennant crossing from the right and the former Liverpool man prodding wide from five yards out.
It would prove to be Pompey's best chance as they headed to another defeat.
Result bad but second half performance good, certainly enough to silence even the biggest cynics among us.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
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