Villains banged to rights!
Portsmouth 2 Aston Villa 1 [ Saturday 16 August 2003 ]
Pompey’s arrival in the top flight came with a few added surprises. Arjan De Zeeuw commencing at left back and Shaka Hislop starting despite being absent from the majority of pre-season training due to a groin injury.
The inclusion of an extra 500 seats bringing the total capacity up to 20,101 added to the legendary frenzied atmosphere proving that Fratton Park will not be an easy place for team’s to visit this season.
The start of the game was predictably frenetic; with Villa debutant Gavin McCann in the wars after only six minutes following a lively clash of heads with Amdy Faye. McCann left the field to be quickly bandaged up. Arjan De Zeeuw was characteristically strong and reliable making a succession of clearances in the left back position vacated by the injured Matthew Taylor.
New boy Dejan Stevanivic was booked for a crude foul on the edge of the 18-yard box, the resultant free-kick – a dismal one-two was easily cleared. On the strike of the 23rd minute Patrik Berger set up a shooting chance for Yakubu Ayegbeni whose shot was blocked by Thomas Sorensen, but the rebound fell kindly for Teddy Sherringham to score from close range.
The Villains were denied by an agonising miss by Alpay, who headed a Peter Whittingham free-kick wide from just six yards. Soon after the visitors had another goal disallowed following Marcus Allback being chastised for shirt pulling.
The second half was solidly dominated by a Pompey side who held possession for long periods. In the 63rd minute Steve Stone combined nicely with Patrik Berger to prod in a second from just 12 yards.
Villa were continually denied when Juan Pablo Angel failed to connect when clear and only six yards from goal. Their luck turned on the strike of the 83rd minute when they were gifted a penalty when Barry was left sprawling after tripping over his own feet after seemingly being bought down by Boris Zivkovic.
Pompey held on stoically to the end to safely secure their first 3 points in the Premiership.
Generally the whole performance was favourable - Faye looked positive in the middle of the park, whilst Aiyegbeni will surely prove to be a huge handful this season with his pace and strength. Steve Stone produced a solid, reliable performance, as one would expect. The two key factors that need to be addressed are perhaps the inclusion of added creativity in mid-field. This can be produced by the inclusion of Gary O’Neill who must surely be champing at the proverbial bit to get on and prove himself. Additionally, it is vital that Matthew Taylor gets back to full fitness as quickly as possible. Today he would have surely had a field day!
Portsmouth (4-4-2)
Hislop, Zivkovic, Foxe, Stefanovic, De Zeeuw, Stone, Berger, Quashie, Faye (Schemmel 90min), Sheringham, Aiyegbeni (Pericard 76).
Subs (not used) Burton, Wapenaar, O'Neill.
Booked Stefanivic, Faye.
Aston Villa (4-4-2)
Sorensen, Delaney, Alpay, Johnsen, Samuel, Hendrie, Barry, McCann, Whittingham (Hitzlsperger 59), Allback, Angel (Crouch 77).
Sent off Barry (87).
Booked McCann.