Southampton 0-0 Portsmouth: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Southampton 0-0 Portsmouth in the Championship on Sunday, 14 September 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

The match between Southampton and Portsmouth ended in a goalless draw, a result that might not surprise given both teams' recent form. Southampton, who had drawn their last two games and lost one before today, couldn't break the deadlock despite their efforts. Portsmouth, coming off a win and two draws, showed resilience away from home. The game lacked clear-cut chances, with neither side managing to extend or end any significant runs, leaving fans to reflect on a tightly contested affair.

In terms of standout performances, no single player dominated the match, but both teams showed discipline and commitment. Southampton's recent results suggest they are struggling to find consistency, while Portsmouth's form indicates they are capable of grinding out results. This draw keeps both teams in the middle of the Championship table, with Southampton needing to find more cutting edge in attack and Portsmouth continuing to build on their solid defensive displays.

The statistics from the game reflect the closely fought nature of the match. Southampton enjoyed 60% possession and had seven corners compared to Portsmouth's five, indicating they had more control of the ball and more opportunities from set pieces. However, their inability to convert this dominance into goals is telling. Portsmouth, with a higher successful dribble percentage at 55% compared to Southampton's 40%, showed they were more effective in individual duels despite less possession.

The yellow card count, with Southampton receiving four and Portsmouth two, suggests a slightly more aggressive approach from the home side. Despite these figures, the game remained disciplined with no red cards or penalties, and no goals were scored in injury time. The stats align well with the result, showing a game where neither team could find the decisive moment.

Key moments in the match included a series of yellow cards for Southampton, starting with Taylor Harwood-Bellis in added time of the first half, followed by Jack Stephens and Flynn Downes in the second half. These bookings indicate a growing frustration from the home side as they struggled to break down Portsmouth's defense. Mads Roerslev Rasmussen also received a yellow card, adding to Southampton's disciplinary issues.

Substitutions played a significant role in the game's dynamics. Southampton made five changes, with Adam Armstrong, Caspar Jander, Ross Stewart, Leonardo Weschenfelder-Scienza, and Jay Robinson coming on in the latter stages. Portsmouth made four substitutions, including Ben Killip early in the game and Jordan Williams at halftime. Despite these changes, neither team could find the breakthrough, with the substitutions failing to alter the game's outcome significantly.

Southampton lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Gavin Bazunu in goal and a back four of Mads Roerslev, Jack Stephens, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and Ryan Manning. The midfield was anchored by Flynn Downes and Shea Charles, with Tom Fellows, Finn Azaz, and Ryan Fraser supporting Cameron Archer up front. The lineup was fairly standard, with no major surprises.

The impact of substitutions was notable, with five changes made in an attempt to find a winner. Adam Armstrong and Ross Stewart were brought on to add more attacking threat, but they couldn't change the game's outcome. The yellow cards received by Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Downes, and Rasmussen suggest a team that was pushing hard but couldn't find the necessary composure.

Portsmouth also opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Nicolas Schmid in goal and a backline of Zak Swanson, Regan Poole, Conor Shaughnessy, and Connor Ogilvie. The midfield duo of John Swift and Andre Dozzell supported Adrian Segečić, Conor Chaplin, and Josh Murphy, with Colby Bishop leading the line. The lineup was as expected, with no major surprises.

Substitutions were made to try and influence the game, with Ben Killip coming on early and Jordan Williams at halftime. Terry Devlin and Luke Le Roux were introduced later in the game, but like Southampton, Portsmouth couldn't find the decisive moment. The yellow cards for Swanson and Swift indicate a team that was committed to the cause but couldn't break through Southampton's defense.

Gavin Bazunu is Coral’s Man of the Match, and his performance was crucial in securing a clean sheet for Southampton. With one save, zero goals conceded, two clearances, and one punch, Bazunu showed his importance to the team. His ability to keep Portsmouth at bay, despite their efforts, was a key factor in the game ending in a draw.

Recent Championship matches:

• Draw: 0-0 vs Portsmouth (H)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Watford (A)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Stoke City (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Ipswich Town (A)

Recent Championship matches:

• Draw: 0-0 vs Southampton (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Preston North End (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Norwich City (H)

Southampton now sit in 15th place with 6 points. Their next game is against Hull City, who are in 20th place with 5 points, on September 20, 2025 at 14:00. This result might encourage Southampton to focus on improving their attacking play to secure a much-needed win.

Portsmouth are in 9th place with 8 points. They will face Sheffield Wednesday, who are in 23rd place with 1 point, on September 20, 2025 at 14:00. This draw should give Portsmouth confidence as they look to continue their solid defensive form and capitalize on their next opponent's struggles.

Championship Game Week 6, 25/26

• Middlesbrough Vs West Brom

• QPR Vs Stoke City

• Birmingham Vs Swansea

• Leicester City Vs Coventry

• Blackburn Rovers Vs Ipswich Town

• Derby County Vs Preston

• Hull City Vs Southampton

• Portsmouth Vs Sheffield Wednesday

• Sheffield United Vs Charlton

• Norwich City Vs Wrexham

• Bristol City Vs Oxford Utd

• Millwall Vs Watford

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