Portsmouth endured a nightmare start to 2026 as Bristol City delivered a comprehensive 5-0 thrashing at Ashton Gate on New Year’s Day.
The Robins capitalised on defensive errors throughout, with Adam Randell’s deflected opener setting the tone before Anis Mehmeti doubled the advantage following a costly interception.
John Mousinho’s side made four alterations from Monday’s dramatic victory over Charlton. Conor Shaughnessy returned to the starting XI for his first appearance in over three months, whilst Ibane Bowat, Luke Le Roux and John Swift also came into the side.
The manager deployed an unfamiliar 3-4-2-1 formation, with Swift and Adrian Segečić supporting lone striker Makenzie Kirk.
First-Half Collapse
Bristol dominated possession early on without creating significant danger until Randell struck on 11 minutes. Scott Twine’s free-kick clearance fell kindly to the midfielder, whose long-range effort deflected off Regan Poole and nestled into the top corner.
Pompey threatened briefly when Swift’s delivery found Bowat at the far post, but the defender headed narrowly wide.
Any hopes of recovery vanished on 24 minutes when Nicolas Schmid’s wayward pass was intercepted by Mehmeti. The forward exchanged passes with Jason Knight before slotting a composed finish into the bottom corner.
Despite the two-goal cushion, the Ashton Gate atmosphere remained subdued, possibly affected by New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Shaughnessy nearly gifted a third when his pass went straight to Mehmeti, forcing Schmid into a sharp save. Swift caused late first-half problems from a set-piece, though Max O’Leary scrambled the danger clear.
Second-Half Deterioration
Mousinho introduced Harvey Blair for Le Roux at half-time, reverting to a back four, but City continued their dominance.
Five minutes after the restart, Twine met Neto Borges’ cross with a precise volley to extend the lead.
Portsmouth’s attacking threat remained minimal, with ironic cheers greeting Poole’s rare cross into the box. Kirk then saw a shot deflected behind as frustration grew.
The visitors’ misery deepened on 59 minutes when Bowat’s poor control allowed Sam Bell to steal possession. The substitute squared for Sinclair Armstrong to tap home the fourth.
Mousinho responded with a triple substitution, introducing Hayden Matthews, Jordan Williams and Conor Chaplin, potentially mindful of Sunday’s fixture.
Armstrong fired over from close range before Randell’s fierce effort was blocked following Mehmeti’s free-kick delivery.
Pompey briefly rallied when Swift’s set-piece found Chaplin, whose flick-on reached Kirk. However, O’Leary prevented the striker’s header from crossing the line.
Academy forward Tayo Singerr replaced Kirk for his Championship debut, providing a rare positive moment.
Randell rattled the crossbar as City pressed for more, whilst Chaplin’s 30-yard strike forced O’Leary into action at the other end.
Matthews departed injured late on, reducing Portsmouth to ten men. Armstrong capitalised immediately, rifling home his second in stoppage time.
The travelling support remained vocal despite the heavy defeat, hoping for improved fortunes when Ipswich visit Fratton Park on Sunday.
Pompey v Bristol City Match Preview
Bristol City (3-4-2-1): O’Leary; Tanner, Vyner, Atkinson (Pring 63); McCrorie (Yu 56), Randell, Knight (c) (Pecover 78), Borges; Twine (Bell 56), Mehmeti; Riis (Armstrong 56)
Goals: Randell 11, Mehmeti 24, Twine 50, Armstrong 59, 90+3
Subs not used: Lumley, Dickie, Roberts, Meerholz
Pompey (3-4-2-1): Schmid; Poole (c), Shaughnessy (Matthews 62), Bowat; Devlin (Chaplin 62), Le Roux (Blair 46), Dozzell, Swanson (Williams 62); Swift, Segečić; Kirk (Singerr 74)
Booked: Le Roux
Subs not used: Bursik, Farrell, Umeh, Minhyeok
Referee: James Bell
Attendance: 24,649 (2,464 Pompey fans)
