Conor Chaplin delivered his strongest showing in a Portsmouth shirt since rejoining the club on loan from Ipswich Town, according to The News’ chief sports writer Neil Allen.
The Blues academy graduate had been struggling to make a decisive impact since his return to Fratton Park, and Allen believes the 28-year-old may have been putting too much pressure on himself to perform before Saturday’s vital victory over Blackburn Rovers.
Pompey went into the interval trailing after Yuki Ohashi’s first-half goal, increasing concerns about their position near the foot of the Championship table. However, a far more assured second-half display followed, with John Mousinho’s half-time team talk clearly having the desired effect.
The equaliser arrived shortly after the hour mark when Callum Lang finished off a slick move involving Josh Murphy, converting from close range at the far post. Portsmouth then completed the turnaround just over 10 minutes from time, as Chaplin’s corner was met by Ibane Bowat, whose header secured his first goal for the club.
That decisive moment not only helped lift Pompey out of the relegation zone, but also marked Chaplin’s first direct contribution of the season after failing to register a goal or assist in his previous 15 appearances. With his place in the side having come under pressure in recent weeks, the assist provided a timely boost.
Speaking on the latest episode of Pompey Talk, Allen said he agreed that it was Chaplin’s best performance since his return. He felt the attacking midfielder looked far more at ease, constantly demanding the ball, dropping deep to link play and influencing the game from a position that suits him.
Allen added that Chaplin’s quality has never been in doubt and stressed how much the player understands the club, having grown up at Pompey and pushed for a move back. He suggested the midfielder’s desire to make an immediate impact may have weighed heavily on him early in the season, but Saturday’s display showed clear signs of progress.
Chaplin remains on a season-long loan at Portsmouth from Ipswich, although the Championship side do hold an option to recall him during the January transfer window.