Two big refereeing calls proved costly for Pompey – Jackett
Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett says his players were ‘disappointed’ with some of the refereeing decisions in the side’s defeat to Sunderland.
Goals from Charlie Wyke and Jordan Jones either side of the break gave the Black Cats a win in a game where they looked comfortable throughout.
But it could have been a different story had some key moments gone in favour of the hosts.
Michael Jacobs thought he should have had a penalty after going down under close attention from Tom Flanagan, while Pompey also felt they should have won a free-kick moments before the throw-in that led to Sunderland’s second goal.
And while Jackett indirectly referenced those moments in his post-match interview, he didn’t want to draw focus away from what was a disappointing display from his side – who are now clinging on to the final playoff place.
"The key moments, the moments in the boxes, we didn’t get right,” Jackett said.
"There is a block by O’Nien and then a header from Wyke which is very good.
"We have worked very hard to stop that and given him a free one, of which he has got the lead in a period where we got the ball wide and got some good balls in the box, some very good balls and delivery, particularly from Daniels and Bolton and Williams down the other side as well.
“We didn’t make those crosses and those balls into the box tell.
"We didn’t make something by way of a knock down for your mate or be able to win the 50/50 duels to get away from your opponent and get the strikes on that we needed.
"It was a frustrating period.
“After the goals, we couldn’t find necessarily the strikes.
"There is some moments in terms of the referee which the players are disappointed with.
"We have to take our own responsibility because a lot of our process between both boxes was pretty good.
“The key moments, the moments in either box, the moments that count and the ones that generally we are pretty good at, we didn’t get those right and if you don’t do that, generally, you won’t win."