The unlucky Zak Swanson’s bizarre own goal gifted Sunderland the lead in a tight first-half between the sides.
However, two goals in five minutes took the Black Cats out of sight early in the second half, prompting John Mousinho to make a quadruple substitution on 60 minutes.
The Blues finally pulled one back in stoppage time when Luke O’Nien put past his own keeper – and here are our Pompey player ratings...
1. Portsmouth Callum Lang (49) during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Portsmouth and Sunderland at Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England on 31 August 2024.
Callum Lang tries to find a way through Sundeland's defence in Pompey's 3-1 defeat. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages Photo: Jason Brown
2. Will Norris - 7
Had no chance with the own goal and produced a solid overall showing. Dealt with balls into the box convincingly and showed quality on the ball when he came out of his box late on to go around a Sunderland opponent. Photo: Jason Brown
3. Zak Swanson - 7
So unfortunate to concede a 31st-minute own goal when Williams’ fierce clearance struck him and ricocheted into his own net. That aside, put in a strong performance at right-back against fellow full-back Dennis Cirkin. His header was involved in O'Nien's own goal to give Pompey late consolation. Photo: Jason Brown
4. Jordan Williams - 7
Watched in horror as his powerful clearance struck Swanson for a bizarre own goal to open the scoring. Otherwise one of his most controlled performances for the Blues, with one particular superb piece of tracking back in the second half to prevent a goal chance. Photo: Jason Brown