Portsmouth vs Charlton: A Tactical Stalemate

This was never going to make the highlights reel. One of those tight, nervous afternoons where everyone inside the ground knew a single goal would probably settle it – and neither Portsmouth nor Charlton ever looked truly capable of finding it.

Charlton came with a clear plan and no shame about it. They were content to sit off, let Pompey have the ball and wait for their moments on the break. Given how Portsmouth have struggled to deal with counter-attacks this season, it was a logical approach, even if it made for a cagey watch.

What jarred was seeing the away side so willing to surrender possession. You expect the home team to set the tempo, but you don’t often see visitors so openly inviting pressure and trusting their shape to hold.

Milli Alli found himself at the centre of the travelling fans’ frustration. He took some stick from the away end, which felt harsh considering the useful shift he put in during his loan spell at Fratton Park. His afternoon will be remembered for one moment, though: a far-post volley in the first half that he somehow failed to convert. Only he will know how that stayed out.

At the other end, Portsmouth at least looked secure. Conor Shaughnessy marshalled things well, Benji Arthur was equally assured, and between them they kept Charlton’s counters largely under control. The back line did its job.

That defensive platform is a start, but it won’t be enough on its own. If Pompey are serious about climbing the table, they’ll need to keep that solidity – and finally find some spark in the final third to match it.