John Mousinho rotated his side and benched Callum Lang, Josh Murphy and Freddie Potts – only to find themselves 3-0 down after just 35 minutes.
Anis Mehmeti grabbed two and Rob Dickie the other as the hapless Blues were battered by their Ashton Gate hosts, yet still the visiting fans sung of winning 4-3.
The game died in the second half, with City already having won it as it remained 3-0 – and here are our Pompey player ratings...
9. Paddy Lane - 4
A rare start these days for Lane, who has still to shine in the Championship as he adjusts to the step up. Gave everything, as ever, but still well off it. Photo: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
10. Sammy Silvera - 3
(Replaced by Josh Murphy on 64 mins) A first start in September for the loanee who has struggled for minutes, yet was frustrating. One moment saw him beat two men down the left and power towards the box, only to then stop and try to beat them again. Fans turned on him to chant ‘send him back’ to sum up his display. Photo: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
11. Colby Bishop - 4
(Replaced by Christian Saydee on 64 mins) Unusually wasteful of the ball, frustratingly misplacing so many passes he attempted to lay-off to team-mates. Granted, received little service, but was still well below par. Photo: Jason Brown
12. Colby Bishop (9) of Portsmouth shoots towards the goal during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Portsmouth at Ashton Gate, Bristol, England on 29 December 2024.
Colby Bishop fires in a shot during Pompey's trip to Bristol City. Picture: Nigel Keene Photo: Nigel Keene