Southampton booed their team at the final whistle after failing to unlock a Blues defence led brilliantly by man-of-the-match Regan Poole and Conor Shaughnessy.
John Mousinho’s men even had to change their goalkeeper on 26 minutes, with Ben Killip replacing Nicolas Schmid, yet the substitute barely had a save to make.
Indeed, Andre Dozzell came closest with a ninth-minute shot which struck the bar and, despite the match becoming more open in the second half, Pompey claimed a deserved point.
And here are our Pompey player ratings..
9. Conor Chaplin - 6
(Replaced by Keshi Anderson on 71 mins) No fairy-tale goal, sadly. A couple of half chances, but, as ever in this second spell, just didn’t look like scoring. Always keen to be progressive and create, however. Photo: Graham Hunt
10. Millenic Alli - 8
Taken him no time at all to make a favourable Pompey impression. Comfortable Blues’ best attacking threat in the first half, always direct, always front-footed. But also fully prepared to get physical defensively. Photo: Getty
11. Colby Bishop - 8
A superb battering-ram centre-forward performance. Fought about against Southampton’s experienced centre-halves, never let them settle and made sure they knew they were in a game. An absolute warrior. Photo: Graham Hunt
12. Terry Devlin (24) of Portsmouth on the attack during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Portsmouth and Southampton at Fratton Park, Portsmouth, UK on 25 January 2026.
Pompey's Terry Devlin on the attack in the first half against Southampton. Picture: Graham Hunt Photo: Graham Hunt