Dour Charlton draw displayed Pompey's limitations

Miles Leaburn of Charlton Athletic and Marlon Pack of Portsmouth battle for the ball during the Sky Bet Championship 2026-27 match between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley.Image source, Getty Images
ByAndrew Moon
BBC Radio Solent's Portsmouth commentator
  • Published

Not a thrilling spectacle. The match was tense because everyone sensed one goal would likely win it, but this match showed there are limitations in attack for both Portsmouth and Charlton.

Charlton were happy not to have the ball and to try and hit Portsmouth on the counter-attack.

That was understandable given Pompey's weakness defending those situations this season. But it is unusual to travel away and face a side not aiming to dominate the ball.

Milli Alli received some stick from the visiting fans, perhaps harshly given his decent contributions on loan at Fratton Park. Quite how he missed a far-post volley in the first half, only he will know.

Pompey looked solid at the back, with both Conor Shaughnessy and Benji Arthur performing well.

They will need to maintain that and add a bit more attacking flair if they are to climb the table.

Follow Portsmouth on BBC Sounds

Pre-match, post-match and topical Pompey content

Subscribe and listen for everything you love about the Blues