Many Pompey fans, including myself, thought we'd get beaten yesterday after a poor start to the season whilst I wasn't believing the Everton fans when they claimed they had been awful at times so far this season.
A change in system and some superb individual performances were the key to such a staggering win. David James was an immense presence in goal, not just for his penalty save but for his world class save from Arteta and the other top saves he pulled out of the bag.
That spot kick save was probably the turning point in the game and I think there was justice done as Glen Johnson was very unlucky to be penalised for what was a simple collision. It was good to see our ex-striker try the stuttering run up only to fire a weak effort that Jamo had no trouble turning around the post too!
Jermain Defoe was outstanding whenever he got the ball and scored two quality goals (although Crouch should wrongly claim the second, as the linesman didn't signal the ball had crossed the line until Crouch nodded in.)
The Crouch-Defoe partnership is showing signs of gelling after the big man flicked on a header for the little man who turned and struck past Tim Howard despite having five Everton defenders around him.
But if you had to ask me for a man of the match I would have to pick Glen Johnson. The right wing back position seems to be made for him as he was quick to support the attack and surge forward when he had the opportunity but also had the time to get back and defend when needed.
And what a sublime goal too, having finished off a sweet one-two with Defoe after running into the box and side-footing the ball into the corner of the net. The performances of both Defoe and Johnson should see them picked for England for the upcoming qualifiers.
A special mention to the three centre backs who were all very good. Kaboul cleared one off the line, Campbell must have won every header and Distin sniffed out anything Everton tried to create.
The midfield was just as good and I was especially impressed with Sean Davis who worked tirelessly and helped set up the third goal with a clever backheel. Diarra was his usual impressive self whilst Diop was strong and the opposition found it difficult to take the ball from him.
It seems like Harry and co. have found a winning and balanced formula with the 3-5-2 that worked so well during our Championship winning season. I wonder what success it could bring this campaign?
This was a surprising, but satisfactory win that has lifted the mood around Portsmouth just in time for the international break.
Pompey Player Ratings
David James: 9 - Good penalty stop, a world class save and saved everything Everton had to throw at him.
Glen Johnson: 9 - An exemplary right wing back performance capped with a fine goal.
Younes Kaboul: 8 - Always there to make a last-ditch challenge.
Sol Campbell: 8 - Won everything in the air.
Sylvain Distin: 8 - Snuffed out the majority of Everton's forward runs.
Armand Traore: 7 - Looked good going forward.
Lassana Diarra: 7 - Kept the ball well.
Sean Davis: 7 - Worked hard and showed good invention to set up the third goal.
Papa Bouba Diop: 7 - Looked stronger and more comfortable.
Jermain Defoe: 9 - Two excellent goals and was a major influence in creating Glen's goal.
Peter Crouch: 7 - Linked up with the rest of the team well.
Substitutes
Jamie Ashdown
Djimi Traore
Hermann Hreidarsson (A. Traore 77): N/A - On as Traore took a knock.
Lauren
Arnold Mvuemba (Davis 90): N/A - Time wasting sub.
John Utaka (Defoe 76): N/A - Tactical switch to play the 4-5-1.
Ben Sahar