May the force be with Roo – Hat-Trick Leaves Grant With Plenty To Ponder
Avram Grant was compared to Yoda this week but even the great knowledge and wisdom of the Jedi master may not be enough to mastermind an escape from the drop for Portsmouth.
Grant was given a rough welcome back to the Premier League by old foes Manchester United this weekend and will now be fully aware of the size of the task ahead of him.
A Wayne Rooney hat-trick and Ryan Giggs free kick allowed United to see off battling Pompey, who had equalised through a first-half Kevin Prince-Boateng penalty.
The 4-1 defeat leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table and now seven points from safety following West Ham’s 5-3 win over Burnley.
Just as in the Paul Hart era, there was plenty of grit and determination on show from the Premier League’s basement club but nowhere near enough flair or creativity to worry the league champions.
Things aren’t going to get any easier for their new boss either. Pompey face Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea as well as tough trips to Sunderland and West Ham before the year is out.
It is very much attack of the clones in Portsmouth’s midfield with Grant being spoiled with industrious workhorse type players to choose from.
The problem is, other than Prince-Boateng, he is desperately short of players with that bit of magic to open up a defence.
Similarly, he has been lumbered with a bunch of phantom menaces up front, who provide plenty of endeavour but little in the way of attacking nous.
The former Chelsea boss was promoted from his role as technical director this week and has a vast knowledge of promising overseas players.
And after witnessing his side run out of ideas once going 2-1 down early in the second half, Grant must be hoping that owner Ali-Al Faraj’s property empire can strike back and provide him with a sizeable transfer kitty.
It’s anyone’s guess whether that will be the case after the circus surrounding the ownership of the club this summer.
New owner Ali Al-Faraj has maintained a low profile since buying the club and it is uncertain how much cash Grant will be given during the January transfer window.
Of course, Pompey won’t be able to spend a penny until they pay off their debts and the transfer ban placed by the FA is lifted.
Even with the force of Al-Faraj’s riches with Grant, it is going to be a real mission to save Pompey from relegation.
Does Grant have what it takes to save Pompey from the drop? Where do the Blues need to strengthen in January? Leave your comments below.
Joe Elvin
