admin‘You do wonder’ – Conor Chaplin verdict delivered as Ipswich Town loanee makes biggest impression yet in Portsmouth shirt
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Portsmouth produced a spirited comeback to claim a vital 2-1 victory over fellow Championship strugglers Blackburn Rovers at Fratton Park on Saturday.
Conor Chaplin delivered what has been described as his strongest performance in a Pompey shirt since returning to the club on loan from Ipswich Town, according to The News’ chief sports writer Neil Allen.
Allen believes the Blues academy graduate had been placing excessive pressure on himself to impress following his return, but Saturday’s win showed clear signs of progress.
Pompey trailed at the interval after Yuki Ohashi’s first-half strike handed Blackburn the lead, increasing concerns of a potential slide back into the relegation zone. However, John Mousinho’s half-time team talk sparked a noticeable improvement after the break.
The hosts drew level shortly after the hour mark when Callum Lang finished confidently at the far post, capitalising on clever build-up play from Josh Murphy.
The decisive moment arrived just over 10 minutes from time as Chaplin’s well-delivered corner was met by Ibane Bowat, whose header secured his first goal for the club and lifted Portsmouth out of the Championship relegation places.
The assist was particularly significant for Chaplin, who had failed to register a goal or an assist in his previous 15 appearances this season.
The 28-year-old has also struggled for consistent starts under Mousinho in recent weeks, despite featuring regularly in the Premier League last campaign.
Speaking on the latest episode of Pompey Talk, Allen agreed that the Blackburn match marked Chaplin’s most impressive display since his return.
“I totally agree,” Allen said. “He was constantly involved — dropping deep, demanding the ball, buzzing around and making things happen. He was playing in his best position and it really suited him.
“It’s frustrating because you know the talent is there. He understands the club, he’s Pompey through and through, and he was desperate to come back. That commitment has never been in doubt.
“You do wonder if he put too much pressure on himself early doors. Everyone wants him to score, and he still needs that goal, but he got his first assist with the corner that won the game.”
Chaplin is currently on a season-long loan at Fratton Park from Ipswich, although the Tractor Boys retain the option to recall him during the January transfer window.
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