Southampton beat Pompey at Fratton Park for the first time in 35 years during an EFL Cup clash.
Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett was left to rue his side’s profligacy as they were beaten at Fratton Park by Southampton for the first time in 35 years during Tuesday’s EFL Cup third round clash, as reported by The News.
The pressure was already rising on Jackett after a dismal start to the League One season with last season’s play-off semi finalists sitting 20th in the third tier, picking up just six points from seven games so far.
So the last thing he needed was to suffer a humbling defeat against Pompey’s arch rivals in front of a raucous Fratton Park crowd who were baying for blood.
But while the hosts managed 16 shots on goal to Southampton’s 11, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side were clinical on the night with Danny Ings scoring twice alongside late strikes from Cedric Soares and Nathan Redmond.
And there was one word that came to mind for Jackett; ‘ruthless’.
“They were ruthless on the break and don’t miss,” said the former Wolves boss. “Southampton are very good at pressing and very good at passing, when they get through they are ruthless.
“At the start of the second half, if we had got a goal back it could have been a different story at 2-1 and attacking our fans.
“Although we created pressure and chances in that period as well, the goal we needed to spark us off didn’t come and they were ruthless on the break.”
If only Southampton were this clinical in the Premier League. Hasenhuttl’s side have averaged just a goal a game so far and they missed a host of presentable chances during last week’s 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth.
Though maybe the former RB Leipzig boss will be tempted to start Ings more regularly after a masterclass in finishing at Fratton Park.
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