⚽ Pompey Punished by Own Goal as Stoke Claim Victory at Fratton Park
Portsmouth suffered their second consecutive home defeat after Hayden Matthews’ unfortunate own goal handed Stoke City all three points at Fratton Park.
John Mousinho’s side endured a sluggish opening half, but improved significantly after the break and should have taken the lead when Makenzie Kirk, making his full debut, fired over from close range following an inviting cross from Josh Murphy.
Moments later, Pompey’s misfortune struck. A dangerous delivery from Sorba Thomas caused chaos in the box, and Matthews – who had otherwise impressed on his first league start of the season – could only divert a header past his own goalkeeper Josef Bursik.
That 71st-minute setback knocked the wind out of the hosts, and despite late pressure, Stoke comfortably saw out the match to seal a 3–1 away victory, leaving Pompey frustrated and searching for answers.
🔵 Portsmouth Player Ratings (vs Stoke City)
Josef Bursik – 7
Assured display from the summer signing. Composed on the ball, strong handling, and good distribution throughout.
Jordan Williams – 6
(Off 67’) Back from injury and dealt reasonably well with the lively Thomas. A steady performance before being replaced.
Hayden Matthews – 6
(Off 71’) Preferred ahead of Knight and looked composed until the costly own goal. Unlucky moment marred an otherwise solid outing.
Regan Poole – 7 ⭐ (Man of the Match)
Battled tirelessly and stood up well to Mubama’s threat. Another consistent, commanding performance at the back.
Connor Ogilvie – 6
Dependable defensively but lacked his usual attacking impact. His crossing continues to frustrate.
Andre Dozzell – 6
(Off 85’) Produced one sublime long pass to set up Kirk but faded in the second half as Pompey lost midfield control.
Marlon Pack – 7
Energetic and influential once again, providing two excellent deliveries early in the second half. His experience continues to shine.
Makenzie Kirk – 6.5
Worked hard and found himself in the right positions but missed a golden chance to open the scoring. Showed promise on full debut.
Substitutes
Terry Devlin (on 67’) – Added fresh energy but little end product. 6
Josh Knight (on 71’) – Replaced Matthews after the own goal; steady at the back. 6
Mark Kosznovszky (on 85’) – Late cameo to chase an equaliser. N/A
Unused subs: Schmid, Bidwell, Scully, Sparkes, Anjorin, Kamara
🔴 Stoke City Player Ratings
Johansson – 8
Impressive performance, producing two vital saves in front of watching Sweden boss Graham Potter.
Talovierov – 7.5
Adapted well at right-back on his league debut, defended bravely and looked assured.
Cresswell – 7.5
Dangerous with his deliveries and calm defensively.
Phillips – 8
Constant aerial threat and strong in the challenge.
Wilmot – 8
Captain fantastic on his 150th appearance, led by example throughout.
Pearson – 7.5
Controlled midfield and broke up play efficiently.
Baker – 7
Busy and creative, contributed at both ends.
Junho – 7
Energetic return from injury, unlucky not to score early on.
Manhoef – 7.5
Always looked to attack Ogilvie and caused consistent problems.
Thomas – 7.5
Delivered the cross that forced the decisive own goal. Quality from wide areas once again.
Mubama – 7
Got into great positions but lacked sharpness in front of goal.
Subs:
Rigo (71’) – 7 | Nzonzi (90’) – N/A | Seko (90’) – N/A
Unused: Bonham, Bozenik, Donley, Gibson, Cisse, Agina.
Referee: Tom Kirk (Greater Manchester) – 6
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