Portsmouth manager John Mousinho expressed disappointment with his team’s performance against Sunderland, acknowledging that they were outplayed in various aspects of the game. Mousinho specifically highlighted his frustration with the nature of the first goal, emphasizing the defensive lapse that led to Sunderland’s score.

While recognizing Sunderland’s effective defensive strategy and clinical finishing, Mousinho admitted that his team failed to track runners and defend effectively, particularly in the build-up to goals. Despite showing promise in the early stages of the game, Portsmouth struggled to contain Sunderland’s attacking threats and conceded goals due to lapses in concentration and quality.

Mousinho reflected on the clear gap in performance between the two teams but remained optimistic about Portsmouth’s ability to improve and compete better in future matches. He highlighted the need to address defensive vulnerabilities and learn from the defeat, expressing determination to bounce back stronger in the upcoming fixtures.

Looking ahead, Portsmouth face a challenging schedule against formidable opponents like West Brom, Burnley, and Sheffield United, presenting further opportunities for the team to showcase their progress and resilience in the Championship campaign.