The deep-seated issues and most worrying Portsmouth concern I saw in bleak defeat to Cardiff City
There were many, many reasons to be concerned by the weak and, for long periods, embarrassing performance served up by Pompey against a fellow early-season struggler last night.
But as the anger continues to simmer on an often contemptible display in south Wales, the most worrying reflection wasn’t the toothless performance of John Mousinho’s bedraggled side.
It wasn’t the 26 shots Cardiff enjoyed as they continually tore into an exposed back three and exploited gaping holes in wide areas.
It wasn’t the manner in which Pompey folded and showed meek resistance from the outset. Or the individuals who produced such deeply-worrying performances.
It wasn’t even the fact the evening ended with the Blues rooted to the bottom of a Championship table, which has now ironed out its early-season anomalies with nearly a quarter of the campaign played.
No, undoubtedly the biggest cause for concern we were left with in the aftermath of a scoreline which failed to mask the depth of problems on display, was how this wasn’t the first time we’ve seen such worrying traits from Mousinho’s side.
We may have viewed the carnage which unfolded at the bet365 Stadium at the start of the month with an agonising wince, but at least we could take solace from the Stoke City thrashing being an isolated incident.
Even amid Pompey’s worst winless start since the Second World War, an objective assessment of performances resulted in the conclusion that Mousinho’s men were broadly doing the right things against a who’s who of Championship contenders.
That’s no longer the case now, though.
Stoke, sadly, can no longer be viewed as a blip when viewed through the prism of Tuesday night’s dispiriting events.
That’s especially the case when it was largely the same shortcomings behind Pompey’s downfall in the Welsh capital.
Yes, there will now be credence in putting Mousinho’s switch to a back three under the spotlight - something that will certainly happen for a head coach always keen to first look inwardly over relying on deflection tactics.
But, ultimately, no formation or press is to blame when players aren’t savvy enough to sense danger or clear their lines when required.
And there’s certainly no tactical nuances to consider when experienced performers are physically worked over by opponents, who didn’t appear particularly inclined to help their previous boss retain his job just a few weeks ago.
It took a 20-year-old who hasn’t been able to make six recent matchday squads before QPR to show the basic qualities required from any Pompey player.
Terry Devlin wasn’t prepared to accept the standards woefully missing from those around him - and all it took was for the Northern Irishman to run and physically compete with his opponent.
Just as winning and all the positive habits which guided Pompey to the Championship became a habit, the concern now will, justifiably, be on what we’ve witnessed on two hugely-worrying occasions taking root among this group.
These fundamental issues were under the microscope in the 40-minute post-match inquest which unfolded in the away dressing room at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night.
Mousinho has vowed to find the solutions through his rational thinking and the processes which started in the immediate aftermath of a display which has shaken fragile conviction in his players among Pompey’s support.
That post-mortem is continuing today during a quick turnaround to Friday’s meeting with Sheffield Wednesday, which has the feel of another significant showdown.
The emerging fear now, however, is it will take the January transfer window to potentially fix the deep-seated issues in danger of defining this group of players. But by the time that recruitment lifeline is reached, the damage to Championship ambitions could be done.