The demolition of Harry (look at my Wad) Redknapp’s Portsmouth, at least it’s his this week, lifted Blues above the South coast strugglers. In spite of a seven million pound injection of talent Pompey were destoyed by Blues as they recorded their record Premiership win. It was Blues first League nap hand since spanking Crewe 5-1 in August 1999.
Blues started very nervously and Pompey made the early running. On 5 minutes Pennant and Melchiot linked on the right leaving the Dutchman free. He picked out the towering Jarosik who climbed above the retreating defence and headed in from five yards. The crowd were clearly relieved and Blues began to play with more freedom and domination.
A high ball into the box aimed for the twin threat of Sutton and Heskey found Heskey who under pressure, handled the ball. Sutton had been flattened off the ball but Ref Foy missed the obvious penalty.
On 37 minutes a flick on by Heskey to Sutton threatened to open things up. Sutton dummied and Pennant ran on to the ball, out paced the Pompey back line, and slotted home.
On half time the fans must have been hoping for a goal avalanche but would have settled the three points and a clean sheet.
Ten minutes into the second stanza Blues were screaming again for a penalty when Izzet appeared to be pulled down in the box as Sutton deftly set him up. The resulting corner was met perfectly by Upson who opened his account for the season.
The game was over at 3-0 but Bruce sent on Forssell and Dunne who needed the playing time. Both scored as Forssell engineered a penalty that he took himself.
Dunne played a neat one two on the edge of the box and beat keeper Ashdown with ease.
Blues: Maik Taylor, Melchiot, Cunningham (Kilkenny 81), Upson, Lazaridis, Pennant, Izzet, Johnson, Jarosik (Dunn 74), Heskey (Forssell 78), Sutton.
Subs Not Used: Vaesen, Gray.
Booked: Johnson.
Goals: Jarosik 5, Pennant 37, Upson 55, Forssell 90 pen, Dunn 90.
pompey: Ashdown, Pamarot (Karadas 90), Stefanovic (Priske 83), O’Brien, Griffin, O’Neil, Davis, Pedro Mendes, Taylor, Pericard (Olisadebe 53), Mwaruwari.
Subs Not Used: Westerveld, Hughes.
Booked: Griffin.
Att: 29,138.
Ref: C Foy (Merseyside).
Share this article
Related Articles
