Saha strike sinks Pompey

27 September 2009 08:18
Louis Saha condemned Portsmouth to a seventh successive Barclays Premier League defeat as Everton triumphed 1-0 in a pulsating showdown at Fratton Park.[LNB] Saha struck his seventh goal of the season with a clinical finish that gave resurgent Everton a first-half lead they never relinquished.[LNB] It extended the Toffees' winning run to four, but the result was harsh on Portsmouth who failed to take their chances once again.[LNB] Superior for lengthy spells, they created a host of opportunities with Aaron Mokoena hitting the crossbar and Tal Ben Haim failing from point-blank range. [LNB] Goalkeeper Tim Howard played a full part in frustrating Pompey, making several fine saves, but David Moyes' side rode their luck at times and cleared two shots off the line. [LNB] While Everton are heading up the table, crisis club Portsmouth are rooted to the bottom as the worst start in Premier League history continues unchecked. [LNB] Chances had come at both ends when the visitors made the breakthrough through the former Manchester United man in the 42nd minute. The Frenchman beat Younes Kaboul in the air to head down a long, high ball by new-boy Johnny Heitinga and pounced, directing a strong finish past David James. [LNB] Pompey should have equalised five minutes into the second half but Ben Haim, having slipped free to meet O'Hara's free-kick, directed his header straight at Tim Howard's shoulder when the goal was at his mercy. [LNB] Everton substitute Diniyar Bilyaletdinov floated a corner to the far post where Marouane Fellaini was denied by James and then Tommy Smith came to Pompey's rescue by clearing Tim Cahill's effort off the line.[LNB] It was tough luck on the hosts who at least showed the fight they will need to avoid the drop.

Source: Eurosport