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Poor set-piece defending derailing Pompey's season

2025-11-27 09:52
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Poor set-piece defending derailing Pompey's season

When does Portsmouth's problem defending set-pieces become a season-defining issue? BBC Radio Solent commentator Andrew Moon reflects on the 3-1 loss to Sheffield United.

Poor set-piece defending derailing Pompey's seasonStory byPortsmouth players look dejected as they applaud the travelling fans after the 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United[Getty Images]Andrew Moon - BBC Radio Solent commentatorThu, November 27, 2025 at 9:52 AM UTC·1 min read

When does a problem become a season-defining issue? Portsmouth's troubles defending set-pieces is now potentially that significant.

For 40 minutes Pompey looked the more threatening team in the 3-0 defeat to Sheffield United.

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But from the moment Terry Devlin instinctively handled Japhet Tanganga's header on the line, it was going to be an uphill battle.

When the second goal went in there was no way back.

Pompey were poor from corners on Saturday [in the 3-1 win over Millwall] but just about got away with it. On Wednesday evening, they conceded twice from the first five Blades corners.

This team is without question capable of staying up. However, the rest of the Championship will now be fully aware of this weakness.

It is going to be tough to win games without fixing it.

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