Portsmouth defeated a Chelsea side 2-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday afternoon. The match served as a tactical exercise for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, whose Premier League side has the division's worst defensive record.
For Portsmouth, the result offers a positive note ahead of a key period. The Blues currently sit 19th in the Championship with eight points from seven games, a position they will be keen to improve upon starting with their next match.
Chelsea's experimental side
Alonso used the session for player development and defensive organisation, with a mix of senior players, academy prospects and those returning from injury involved. Many of Chelsea's established stars were away on international duty. Insiders at the London club downplayed the significance of the scoreline. "It was described by insiders as a training exercise, first and foremost, and so they are not alarmed by the scoreline in any way," they said.
The manager's primary focus during the international break has been on shoring up a defence that has conceded 12 goals in five league games. He faces a selection dilemma on whether to persist with a back three or switch to a back four for Chelsea's next Premier League match against Bournemouth.
Context for Pompey
For Portsmouth and manager John Mousinho, the win provides a morale boost during a challenging start to the league campaign. Their recent form reads two draws, two losses and one win from the last five outings. The team's last result was a 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers before the international break, a game in which Colby Bishop scored a late equaliser.
Attention now turns fully to the short trip to St Mary's. Southampton, their next opponents, are currently 13th in the Championship table. Portsmouth face Southampton away on Sunday, 11 October.
The original report is at Daily Mail Sport
