Portsmouth goal machine Christian Burgess points finger at John Marquis over snatched goals

Christian Burgess joked his goal form could’ve been even more prolific if it wasn’t for John Marquis!
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But the defender admitted there’s a sense of satisfaction at being able to contribute to Pompey’s flow of goals as they power into promotion contention.

Burgess has bagged three goals in five games as his side show serious threat from set-piece situations to help their record-equalling form.

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It could possibly have been a greater return if John Marquis hadn’t made sure his headers crossed the line in the wins at Fleetwood and Walsall.

The 28-year-old pointed to the quality of the deliveries from new boy Steve Seddon and Ronan Curtis as a significant factor in Pompey’s spike in goals from corners and free-kicks.

And although his return could’ve been greater he feels satisfied he’s playing his part in the goal haul, with that not always being the case from defenders this term.

Bugess, who was named PFA player of the month for League One today, said: ‘There actually could’ve been a few more!

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‘Sometimes you can get that finger pointed at you that you’re not contributing enough.

Christian Burgess celebrates his goal against Sunderland. Picture by FRANK REID.Christian Burgess celebrates his goal against Sunderland. Picture by FRANK REID.
Christian Burgess celebrates his goal against Sunderland. Picture by FRANK REID.

‘It’s important for centre-halves to contribute on set-pieces. I had a bit of success the season we went up.

‘It’s always nice when you can help the lads win games.

‘I think a lot of that’s due to the level of delivery we’ve had recently, which has been really good.

‘It’s been a lot better and it’s been great for us.

‘We’re going up for set-pieces with the belief we’re going to score so that’s nice.’

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Marquis has been the target of some light-hearted ribbing from his Pompey team-mates over the excellent goalscoring form he finds himself on.

The 27-year-old has bagged six goals in eight games with a run of five starts arriving for the summer arrival from Doncaster.

That return includes the two goalbound efforts from Burgess and Ronan Curtis’ header against Barnsley.

Burgess said: ‘There’s a few boys not happy!

‘But maybe that’s what Portsmouth’s needed for a while.

‘He gets in the right areas and knows where the net is so full credit to him.

‘He’s good at that and, let’s be honest, a couple probably wouldn’t have been cleared if he wasn’t on them.

‘That can change games, so long may that continue.’

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