Portsmouth delivered a commanding performance at Fratton Park to defeat West Brom 3-0 in the Championship. Conor Chaplin opened the scoring in the 20th minute, pouncing on a well-timed pass from Millenic Alli. Just minutes later, Alli turned from provider to scorer, doubling the lead in the 25th minute with a clinical finish assisted by Andre Dozzell.
A First Half of Precision and Control
The first half saw Portsmouth assert dominance with precise attacking moves. West Brom's defense struggled against the home side's fluid play, highlighted by their two yellow cards early on. Portsmouth's frontline, led by Chaplin and Alli, capitalized on defensive lapses, setting a confident tone as the teams headed into halftime.
Adams Seals the Win in Style
Early in the second half, Ebou Adams secured the victory with a goal in the 49th minute, expertly assisted by Chaplin. Despite West Brom's attempts to regain control through multiple substitutions after the break, Portsmouth's defense held firm. The visitors managed only one shot on target, underscoring the home side's defensive prowess.
Statistics Highlight Portsmouth's Mastery
Portsmouth's tactical execution was evident in the match statistics. They recorded six shots on goal and maintained a close 49% possession, showing efficiency in both attack and defense. Millenic Alli stood out with a player rating of 8, supported by Adams and Zak Swanson. Despite a higher ball possession, West Brom's attack was thwarted, managing only four total shots.
Building Momentum for Portsmouth
This victory highlights Portsmouth's growing strength, coming off a recent draw against Southampton. Their recent form suggests a solidifying team cohesion, crucial as they aim for a significant league position. West Brom, meanwhile, will need to regroup after this setback, having struggled to achieve desired results in recent matches.