The outstanding link between Tom Naylor and Portsmouth success

In fact, the vast majority of the time when Tom Naylor hits the back of the net his team go on to celebrate victory.

The influence of the Blues captain on his side is well established, with the 29-year-old a key cog in Kenny Jackett’s starting XI.

But now the uncanny connection between Naylor scoring and Kenny Jackett’s side getting results has been revealed.

SUBSCRIBE today for the latest Pompey updates

Pompey’s stats partner Playmakerstats have highlighted the link, with Naylor bagging 12 goals since joining from Burton Albion in the summer of 2018.

In the 2018-19 campaign, Naylor bagged three goals and they came in wins over AFC Wimbledon, Scunthorpe and the 5-1 romp over Bradford.

It was just a single strike in the 2019-20 season with Naylor on the scoresheet in the 2-0 success over Tranmere.

But it’s this season the midfielder has really come to the fore as he channelled his inner Steven Gerrard by bagging some spectacular strikes.

Naylor was on the mark in the 2-1 win over MK Dons before that scintillating run of five goals in seven games across November and December.

With the exception of the 2-2 draw against Plymouth, all of those once again came in Pompey wins with Ipswich, Crewe, King’s Lynn and Peterborough on the receiving end.

Tuesday saw Naylor up to his old tricks once more at Charlton, as he put his team back in control with a second-half header in the 3-1 success at The Valley

And there was also some ammunition for the Pompey wags with all of Naylor’s goals arriving outside of the summer months, with the exception of his August 2019 effort against Tranmere.

Fans have been quick to ask when the goals were scored, following the former Derby man being dropped for last season’s play-offs in a move for ‘summer football rather than winter football’ according to Jackett.

Naylor’s got some distance to travel to match Liverpool great Ian Rush, though, with the legendary striker scoring in 145 games without his side losing.

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, starting at less than £1 a week.

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.