I remember after the Wigan game a lot of people were saying it was the worst performance ever, even the pundits were getting in on it, so I guess last night was one of our greatest victories?
More seriously, it wasn't just the result that mattered last night, it was the way we went about the game from the off. It was the intent of the players to attack, the movement was excellent and as a result, our passing was vastly improved. Coincidence? I don't think so.
Lots of us have been calling for Kuyt to be dropped despite him having a decent February (at least on the goals front), and the difference on the right flank was massive. Whilst Maxi isn't the fastest winger in the world, or best technically, he has bags more pace going forward than the Dutchman, and I thought he and Johnson made a decent partnership.
The exclusion of Lucas made an equal difference to midfield. Mascherano was relieved from trying too much to forge forward or spread the play, and remained outstanding in his "destroyer" role in front of the defence. Aquilani was a revelation, pushing forward and moving the ball around with ease. I was very encouraged by his ability to link up with both Gerrard and Torres, showing that he can clearly turn what was our front duo into a bit of a threesome.
Babel hugely impressed me, I'm pleased to say. I've berated him in the past for being too greedy, for not lifting his head, and for not making the right choices. Last night, I felt he got it all right. His pacy runs were as good as ever, but it was even better to see him trying to pick out the right cross or pass at times.
Torres looked more himself, though I still feel he isn't at all 100%. That being said, putting in such a great display is a sign of the fearsome amount of talent and class the lad has.
The players I felt who struggled a little would be Insua and Carra. Insua pushed forward well, but he gets too often caught out of position, and his passing/final ball is often hit and hope rather than a genuine attempt to pick a player out.
I'm not going to jump the gun. We can hardly say everything is fine again or we've turned a corner. But I do just want to bask in the satisfaction such a fine performance gives me.
I don't care if it was "only" Pompey. Recent weeks I more feel we've been fighting a battle against ourselves rather than the opposition, and whilst the war isn't won, last night was a sign that our players are at least prepared to stand up and be counted.