Portsmouth player ratings

Given Did not have very much to do (although, of course, he did it well) until the final minute when he made a save from David Nugent suggesting quite inhuman reflexes - think Marouane Fellaini at Goodison last May. He makes saves that Joe Hart doesn't. 8

Richards Never looked comfortable against Niko Kranjčar but was not given much help by Howard Webb either. Unfortunate to have a goal disallowed for offside. Went off with a knock in the second half. 6

Touré Another solid performance from our new captain. Won everything in the air and showed off his marauding instincts in the second half. Shooting still has some way to go. 7

Lescott Piquionne's size and strength was no match for Joleon, who makes Kolo Touré looks as physically imposing as Willo Flood. Gave the ball away a few times but a pretty good league debut all things considered. 6

Bridge An unsurprisingly rough treatment from the Portsmouth fans but he did very well. Tommy Smith got nothing out of him and he impressed again with his intelligence going forward: he's much quicker than people realise and his delivery is first class. Our most improved player of the new season. 7

Ireland Another relatively quiet game in the middle for Superman. Took a few knocks early on from Michael Brown and never settled down. Competent in is passing, and made a few good forward runs, but the spark and dynamism had been kicked out of him. 6

Barry His finest performance yet. His control of the midfield was total and unquestioned. Took kicks from Brown all day but did not let it bother him. His tackling and passing was better than ever - including his corner for our only goal, and twice he took up good positions in the Portsmouth box only for Adebayor to shoot rather than pass. Rivals Given as Hughes' best buy. 9

Wright-Phillips Had a quiet game before coming into his own in the last half hour. Beat Portsmouth defenders at will and twice went close with shots. Could have had a penalty late on but Howard Webb gave him nothing all day. 7

Adebayor Headed in Barry's corner for his third goal in three games. Impressive yet again, with his work rate and his ability with the ball on the ground. Ghosted past defenders as ably as SWP, whom he is almost a foot taller than. Will be hoping to stay fit for the next game: Arsenal at home. 8

Tévez It's so obvious as to be banal, but his work-rate is phenomenal. Performed a crucial role in winning the ball in midfield when Barry and Ireland were otherwise occupied. Ought to have had penalty in stoppage time when he was pulled down. 7

Bellamy Preferred to Robinho on the left wing and did well, although came up against a good defender in Anthony Vanden Borre. Stretched Portsmouth enough to make things easier for our other forwards. But enough to play against Arsenal? I'm not sure. 7

Subs:

Zabaleta Did well for the last half hour, both at the back and going forward. Picked up a characteristic booking. 6

de Jong Too late to mark.