Portsmouth returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Burton Albion on Tuesday evening at Fratton Park.
It was a relatively easy night for John Mousinho’s side, although a late John Brayford goal made for a nervy ending.
Pompey dominated the first half and saw Kusini Yengi produce a contender for miss of the season after a cross from Paddy Lane.
However, it wasn’t long until the Aussie was given another chance to open the scoring after he was fouled inside the Brewers’ box. The 25-year-old stepped up to produce a cool panenka down the middle of the goal.
Yengi doubled the lead midway through the second half before Burton halved the deficit with ten minutes to play.
Mousinho made three changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Blackpool, with Owen Moxon, Yengi and Christian Saydee replacing Colby Bishop, Callum Lang and Jack Sparkes.
Saydee was making just his second start of 2024 and was hailed by the Pompey boss in his post-match interview.
John Mousinho hails ‘excellent’ Christian Saydee v Burton Albion
Talking to Portsmouth’s official X account, Mousinho admitted Burton were a tough side to break down in the first half.
“We had to make sure we capitalised on everything we did well in the first half and keep moving the ball,” he said.
“It is really difficult, Burton came here 5-4-1, sitting in deep and making it really difficult for us to move the ball up the pitch, but I thought we did it really well.”
On Saydee’s performance, the Pompey boss felt the 21-year-old was “excellent” upon his return to the starting XI.
The Pompey boss added: “It was one of those things where we had to be patient, but that doesn’t mean moving the ball slowly; it means moving the ball quickly from side to side and creating openings. Whenever we did that, we looked like a good side, especially when we got the ball out to the two widemen and opened up space for Christian [Saydee]. I thought he was excellent, he caused all sorts of problems.”
How important is Christian Saydee to Portsmouth?
Saydee’s last start came during the damaging home defeat to Leyton Orient at the beginning of 2024. It’s been difficult for the attacker, and he’s even admitted his fitness has been an issue.
However, in the Blues’ last three games, he’s given the side a completely different dynamic. His strength and ability to hold the ball in tight spaces is unique. He will be eager to add goals to his game, but recent improvements must be hailed.
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that Saydee is still only 21. There’s plenty of time for his weaknesses to be fine-tuned.
With doubts over Callum Lang’s fitness remaining, there’s every chance of the former Bournemouth youngster starting consecutive games at Peterborough on Saturday.