What lessons have been learned from pre-season friendly against Chelsea?
AFTER Pompey’s latest warm-up ended in defeat at Chelsea’s Cobham base to their under-23 side, Blues writer Jordan Cross assesses what we learnt from the warm-up.
Number of triallists becoming a trial
It’s now 10 days until the start of the League One season - and Pompey named a team awash with triallists at Cobham. It’s a serious concern
Danny Cowley is refusing to compromise on quality when it comes to signings, yet is finding himself
‘blown out of the water’ by League One promotion rivals over deals.
In the meantime, Pompey’s squad is looking light beyond the starting
XI, and being supplemented by out-of-contract players trying to earn deals.
The reality is few if any of those present are likely to earn themselves longterm contracts at PO4.
The identities of Sean Goss, Renedi Masampu and Elijah Dixon-Bonner are known - with all starting against the Premier League side’s under-23 outfit, while keeper Dan Gyollai arrived from Peterborough.
They were supplemented by two further defenders, two midfielders and a winger who came in and out of the game at various stages.
The left-footed defender who started alongside Haji Mnoga was the pick of the players, but the suspicion is none will be staying long term with the exception of
Gyollai. More of an issue is the fact they are needed to fill gaping holes in Danny Cowley’s options so close to the season.
Crackers cracks on
Ipswich continue to show interest in Michael Jacobs, who has stressed he is happy to stay put at Fratton Park.
At Chelsea, the winger gave a clear glimpse of what he could offer the Blues cause as he continued on the comeback trail.
Jacobs made his first start since damaging knee ligaments in April - and offered an insight in the class he can bring to the table.
The 29-year-old was the best player on the pitch in the first half, pulling the strings with some clever movement and prompting.
He naturally tired before his second-half withdrawal, but his performance was the outfield highlight for Pompey.
Bazunu debut
Maybe slightly edging Jacobs’ display was the debut of Gavin Bazunu.
Eyes were on the Manchester City loanee as he staked his claim to be first-choice keeper this term in his maiden pre-season showing.
Bazunu didn’t disappoint with a commanding performance, before being replaced by Dan Gyollai after 63 minutes.
In that time the quality distribution which has much to do with his arrival was evident, as Pompey built from the back.