Portsmouth now look a resilient promotion side who can't stop scoring from set-pieces

Pompey writer Jordan Cross delivers the final verdict on a performance to savour against Sunderland.
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Square Pegs

Pompey look a side who mean business when it comes to the promotion chase as rivals Sunderland were put to the sword.

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It was a comfortable watch as his team strangled the life out of an in-form foe who were unbeaten in nine going into the contest.

Jackett’s side appear a group of players who know exactly what their individual roles are and what’s required to deliver results.

It’s the work-rate which is really shining through amid the record-equalling winning run with a voracious appetite to press the opposition apparent.

Also the players are suited to their positions and aren’t being played out of position. The square pegs are in square holes and Pompey are now a side comfortable carrying out their individual tasks as a result.

Christian Burgess scores again from a set-piece against Sunderland. Picture: Joe PeplerChristian Burgess scores again from a set-piece against Sunderland. Picture: Joe Pepler
Christian Burgess scores again from a set-piece against Sunderland. Picture: Joe Pepler

Thou Shall Not Pass

Another game and another clean sheet.

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The shut out against Sunderland makes it three games on the bounce where Alex Bass hasn’t been beaten, and two goals shipped in five fixtures since he usurped Craig MacGillivray between the sticks at the start of the year.

The defence once again looked robust and resilient as they snuffed out the attacking threat of the Black Cats.

Fortune did favour Kenny Jackett’s side when Luke O’Nien’s shot cannoned back off the post and away for a corner via Bass’ back.

But there was no quarter given and very little created by the visitors once the Blues got their noses in front.

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It’s form which makes it easier to see why Jackett opted to not add an additional defender to his squad when a late option arose before the close of the transfer window.

Set-piece Specialists

Rivals managers have been saying it about Pompey all season.

But praise for the threat of Kenny Jackett’s men from set-pieces hasn’t always rung true. Until now.

All of a sudden the Blues can’t stop scoring from corners and free-kicks.

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In fact, it’s been dead-ball situations which have produced a whopping 10 of Pompey’s 16 goals from open play since the FA Cup win at Fleetwood.

Sliced another way, the last four goals scored in open play in League One have come via corners or free-kicks.

It’s easy to pinpoint Steve Seddon’s arrival as a significant contributory factor with four assists from his left foot so far.

Likewise there’s been a marked increase in the threat from Ronan Curtis’s balls in with both goals on Saturday assists from the Republic of Ireland international.

It means the vast amount of time spent working on set-pieces in training is finally paying off for Pompey.

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