x

Why It Has To Be 20 Games Undefeated Rather Than 21 !

The celebrations at Swansea on Saturday rang out of 21 games undefeated, referring to 20 League games and 1 in the FA Cup mirroring that of the 1921/22 season, but for me it is all about the League and not the cup and it is the 20 game League record we have now set that counts.

If Saints go to Watford on Sunday and get beaten, then for some our undefeated record will be over, but not in my opinion, this season is all about the League and the cup is an aside and indeed one that could get in the way of our ultimate goal if we are not careful.

So for me the ultimate record is that of League games unbeaten, we have the ability to stretch that one a little further, but the FA Cup could halt the record dead in it's tracks at any moment, especially if we get drawn away to Liverpool or Manchester City should we beat Watford, who given the weakened team we are likely to field on Sunday will fancy their chances themselves.

Should they do just that and knock us out then we will be in the bizarre position of celebrating 21 games undefeated before the game, then having to amend the lyrics of the song at the final whistle to celebrate only 20.

The chances of us singing 44(+ with replays) at Wembley in May are fairly slim, indeed slimmer than actually reaching the 39 undefeated league total that we could potentially reach, if we carry on as we do.

That is why I would prefer the song to be about the 20 Championship games only and don't get our party being pooped by an FA Cup defeat.

However we do have to be very careful that this doesn't become a millstone around our neck, each game being more about staying undefeated rather than winning.

It has to be used as a spur to keep us on track, in recent weeks as we approached the record we have got to within a point of Ipswich, indeed we would have stayed above them on goal difference had they not snatched a last minute equaliser at Leicester, we have to stay focused on our task and that is the League.

What to read next:

Hanging in there - and attacking the game: Mousinho's Pompey message ahead of Ipswich clash
Many Pompey fans are fearing the worst as the Blues gear up to take on in-form Ipswich at Fratton Park on Sunday - but boss John Mousinho is putting a brave face on the prospect of the clash.
Portsmouth 1 - 1 Queens Park Rangers - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Play forward with purpose - what Mousinho wants to see more of after Pompey's draw at Derby
John Mousinho liked what he saw as Pompey claimed a well-deserved point from rheir visit to Derby.
We can't feel sorry for ourselves - Mousinho message to Pompey strugglers ahead of Blackburn clash
John Mousinho says making wholesale team changes can be 'over the top' - and has indicated he does not want to do that when Pompey host Blackburn in what feels like a must-win game on Saturday.
Swansea City 1 - 0 Portsmouth - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Pompey fans' moans and groans are understandable - so can team silence them?
John Mousinho says some 'moans and groans' from fans are underatandable as Pompey struggle for results and form - so now he wants his team to halt such reactions by getting back on the right Championship path.
Win your individual battles - the message to Pompey players ahead of Bristol City clash
Win your battles - it's what Pompey fans will be demanding of those selected to face Bristol City this weekend - and it's what John Mousinho will be telling each man in blue too.
Portsmouth 3 - 1 Millwall - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Key Pompey trio ready to return - but which of them will walk into starting line-up?
John Mousinho is set to have three key members of his squad available after injury when Pompey entertain Millwall on Saturday - but are all three guaranteed starts?
'Not going to be too negative' - Pack looks on Pompey's bright side
Marlon Pack has played more of a role in Pompey's season so far than many thought he would - and his intention is to carry on being at the centre of things, literally.