The inspirational Josh Murphy scored one and then set up Matt Ritchie for the other in a 2-1 success over an in-form QPR.
The victory wasn’t without it cost, mind, with injuries to Rob Atkinson, Isaac Hayden and Zak Swanson, while Hayden Matthews had to be helped off the pitch at the end having stayed on with no more subs available.
Still, John Mousinho’s men are now nine points clear of the drop and their rejuvenation continues at pace. Here are our player ratings...
9. Conor Chaplin - 7
(Replaced by Minhyeok Yang on 85 min) An improvement on Derby display, but that goal continues to frustratingly elude. His 22nd-minute right-corner was headed against the post by Bishop, but another flag-kick on the stroke of half-time was finished off by Devlin to give hosts the lead. Photo: Stephen Flynn
10. Harvey Blair - 7
(Replaced by Adrian Segecic on 59 mins) Handed first start of the season and enjoyed a blistering opening 20 minutes on the left wing to set the tone for Pompey. Caused plenty of problems with his directness, although noticeably tired a little and he was the first to be substituted. Photo: Graham Hunt
11. Colby Bishop - 7
So unfortunate not to score in the first half. Struck the post with a 22nd-minute header from Chaplin’s corner and another curling right-footed shot was superbly saved by Ben Hamer. Didn’t have a sniff after the break when Pompey’s display dropped. Photo: Graham Hunt
12. Terry Devlin (24) of Portsmouth on the attack battles for possession with Rhys Norrington-Davies (18) of Queens Park Rangers during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Portsmouth and Queens Park Rangers at Fratton Park, Portsmouth, UK on 26 December 2025.
Terry Devlin battles with QPR's Rhys Norrington-Davies in the first half against QPR. Picture: Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages Photo: Graham Hunt