Portsmouth returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Burton Albion on Tuesday evening.
Two goals from Kusini Yengi saw the Blues into a comfortable second-half position before John Brayford’s late finish made for a nervy ending.
For the most part, it was a reasonably comprehensive performance from John Mousinho’s side. Per FotMob, the Blues registered 13 shots and an xG of 2.38 compared to Burton’s 0.34.
Pompey’s first-half performance, in particular, caught the eye, with Yengi’s late penalty sealing a deserved lead for the Blues.
There were plenty of talking points on Tuesday evening, and here Portsmouth FC News looks at what we learnt from the Fratton Park clash.
Is the back three here to stay?
Mousinho opted to deploy a back three on Tuesday evening, with Paddy Lane and Abu Kamara in wider roles.
Christian Saydee and Myles Peart-Harris were utilised as number 10s behind Yengi up front.
It was an interesting ploy from the Pompey boss. The Blues attempted to move the ball quickly from side to side and then ping passes into the feet of Saydee and Peart-Harris.
It’s not something we have seen too often, but it was effective. Saydee is superb with his back to goal, and he made life difficult for Burton’s backline, drawing five fouls.
Peart-Harris was also improved, creating one big chance and completing 33 out of his 35 passes.
Joe Rafferty played slightly out of position in Pompey’s back three and excelled. The defender won 100 per cent of his tackles in another dependable performance.
The question is whether the system will remain. If Callum Lang and Jack Sparkes are fit for the trip to Peterborough, reverting to the 4-2-3-1 is an option. However, persisting with the three-at-the-back isn’t the worst plan if the pair aren’t available.
Marlon Pack is the best player in League One
It’s hard to disagree that Marlon Pack is in the form of his Pompey career. The midfielder put on a midfield clinic against Burton and dictated the game from start to finish.
The 32-year-old registered a pass accuracy of 94 per cent from his 78 passes and created two big chances. Furthermore, he won all his tackles and wasn’t dispossessed during 90 minutes.
His dependability and output have been remarkable this season, and it’s hard to envisage how this Pompey team would play without their homegrown star in the heart of the midfield.
It was a performance for the ages from the former Bristol City man last night.
Christian Saydee stakes starting XI claim
Saydee’s performances also deserve credit. The 21-year-old has admitted to his fitness struggles, having spent time out of the starting XI.
However, his performances against Oxford, Blackpool, and Burton make him a genuine candidate to start in Saturday’s massive clash against Posh.
The former Bournemouth man gives Pompey a unique option, completely different to that of Callum Lang.
After Lang missed the Fratton Park fixture on Tuesday, there’s every chance of Saydee being given another start in a must-not-lose clash for Mousinho’s side.