Portsmouth vs Charlton: A Night of Missed Opportunities

This was never going to make the highlights reel. One of those nights where everyone in the ground knew a single goal would probably settle it – and both Portsmouth and Charlton played like they believed it.

Charlton were content to sit off, surrender the ball and wait. They set their trap deep, looking to spring forward on the counter whenever Portsmouth over-committed. Given Pompey’s vulnerability against breaks this season, it was a logical plan, even if it felt odd watching the away side refuse to chase possession.

The game’s big moment should have belonged to Milli Alli. Back at Fratton Park, he took plenty of abuse from the travelling fans despite having done a decent job here during his loan spell. Then came the chance: a far-post volley, begging to be buried. He somehow put it wide. Only he will understand how that stayed out.

At the other end, Portsmouth at least looked secure. Conor Shaughnessy and Benji Arthur anchored a back line that rarely panicked, reading danger early and keeping Charlton’s breaks largely under control. That defensive platform was the night’s real positive.

But it also underlined the problem. Solidity is there. Spark is not. If Pompey are serious about climbing the table, this level of defensive discipline has to stay – and be matched by far more imagination in the final third.