Opening-day misery

The opening day of the season is usually a joyous occasion.

The sun shines on pristine, unspoilt grass and your head is filled with optimism for the coming season.

So it was as I headed to the pub to watch Pompey’s trip to Chelsea.

Forty-five minutes later I was heading home, thoroughly dejected.

Not at the defeat I knew was coming - we all half-expected that - but at the manner of it.

Pompey were abject. Granted they were up against a world-class side, but Harry Redknapp’s side never tested them.

The defence, so impressive last season, had no answer to the home team’s movement.

Never mind a yard, Sol Campbell looked liked he’d lost two. This will surely be his last season at Fratton Park.

His long-term replacement Younes Kaboul had a debut to forget.

Thrown into the heart of the battle out of position in the middle of the park, he was willing but out of synch with his new team-mates.

He wasn’t helped by the decision to go with four across the midfield.
Redknapp admitted he made a rod for his own back in that he has to play both Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch up front.

The midfield was overrun, however, and Pompey
needed another body in there to combat Lampard and Deco, who was exceptional.

Finally, the default phrase for Crouch is that he has a ‘good touch for a big man’.

Well, there was no proof of that Sunday - everything was pumped towards his head.
Things may have improved in the second half, although I doubt it.

I was back in my armchair watching the Olympics.
Pompey were way out of the medals on Sunday.
They'll have to step up their game against Man United next Monday.