How Portsmouth's win over Sunderland was a statement to Ipswich, Hull, Peterborough, Charlton and the rest of League One

The Blues picked up a thoroughly-deserved 3-1 victory at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Heading into the latest battle between the third-tier heavyweights, the Black Cats had conceded just one league goal this season – and that was a penalty on the opening day in a 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers.

But Pompey’s potent attacking performance made Sunderland’s rearguard look ordinary, with John Marquis firing a double and Marcus Harness also on target.

Meanwhile, Charlie Wyke’s goal was the only shot the visitors had on target.

Kenny Jackett’s side have suffered indifferent results in the early stages of the campaign, dropping points against the likes of Shrewsbury, Rochdale, Wigan and Doncaster.

But their win on Wearside saw them move up to fifth in the table.

Gallen is convinced Pompey will be around that position come the end of the campaign.

And for those on the outside looking in, he feels it make them sit up and take note.

When asked if the Blues’ triumph over Sunderland was a statement, Gallen said: ‘Yes, I suppose so. Sunderland will undoubtedly be in the top six and I do believe they'll finish a bit higher than that.

‘They're looking to get out of the league like we are looking to do.

‘I think a lot of people do look at us and will say that Pompey will be up there around the top six – and I believe that as well.

‘When you play against a team that has conceded one goal – which was a penalty in the first five minutes on the opening day of the season – then a team comes and scores three, I'd be thinking: "They're getting their act together, they're getting something right".’

Gallen believes Pompey now have to remedy their concerning form at Fratton Park

Jackett's side have so far garnered just four points from 12 on their own patch.

They were held to a disappointing goalless draw with Shrewsbury on the first day of the campaign.

In addition, there have been defeats to Wigan and Doncaster where the Blues lacked any sort of spark on the attack.

Meanwhile, there 2-1 victory over MK Dons was hardly convincing, either, as the hosts were penned into their own half for most of the second period.

In contrast, Pompey remain unbeaten on the road, winning three matches and drawing the other.

Gallen added: ‘I don't underestimate that we have to put in some good performances and need to start picking up three points at home because we have to be winning games home and away.

‘We're pleased with what we have done away from home. The Burton performance, Rochdale – because we should have won that game as it was straight forward but we didn't win – as well Tuesday (against Gillingham) and Saturday we played well.

‘We've got to look at ourselves and get our performance right. Saturday is going to give us confidence and hopefully we see a very confident performance on Tuesday against Northampton

‘In terms of being in the top six and getting promoted, you need to pick points up home and away.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage.

You can subscribe here to get the latest news and transfer updates from Fratton Park - and to support our local team of expert Pompey writers.