Portsmouth 0 West Brom 3 - Albion go top after comfortable win

Josh Maja, the leading goal scorer, made an explosive start by finding the net just 54 seconds into the match, putting Carlos Corberan's team ahead at Fratton Park. Then, five minutes after halftime, Alex Mowatt added to the score with a stunning shot that curled into the goal.

Midfield star Mowatt scored a stunning goal into the far corner during stoppage time, putting the final touch on the match. Meanwhile, the 2,000 away fans from West Bromwich were singing about their ambitions to reach the top of the league.

A fierce display of determination—especially as others stumbled—resulted in four victories and one draw out of five matches for Corberan's team, who continued their strong performance from before the international break.

The atmosphere during the celebrations was genuinely filled with optimism, especially among the traveling supporters, as the Baggies built on their strong start to the Championship season with a standout performance. There’s a noticeable wave of confidence and energy coursing through the team, especially as Corberan repeated his lineup for the fifth consecutive match.

Corberan brought in several attacking players towards the end of the match, including Mikey Johnston making his second debut for Albion. However, it was Mowatt, named man of the match, who showcased the team's quality with his impressive skills, reflecting the overall excellence Albion has displayed this season.

Midfielder Jayson Molumby bounced back from a foot issue he sustained while playing for Ireland, allowing him to retain his spot in Albion's starting team. This meant that Corberan deployed the same lineup for the fifth consecutive match.

Johnston and Mason Holgate, who joined the team on deadline day, were included in the matchday squad for the first time. Grady Diangana returned as a substitute after being sidelined with a shoulder injury, while summer recruits Paddy McNair, Callum Styles, and Devante Cole were not part of the match.

The vibe at Fratton Park before the match was far from the typical relaxed Sunday tea-time atmosphere. The excitement was palpable, with the volume reaching a high in the iconic stadium that the Baggies hadn’t played in for 15 years.

The noise coming from the three home stands didn't faze Corberan's guests much, and the 2,000 fans who made the trip from the Black Country were ecstatic within just a minute.

With only 54 seconds gone, Maja sent a powerful left-footed shot soaring past Will Norris into the net.

Despite the visitors being quick-witted and alert, John Mousinho's team had a moment of complacency, particularly from left-back Connor Ogilvie. He lost focus just as Darnell Furlong made a swift throw that found Tom Fellows racing towards the goal line. Fellows then delivered a flawless low cross that Maja converted with a powerful first-time strike.

In the second consecutive match, Albion started with incredible energy, and shortly after, Fellows shot just past the far post.

However, Pompey wasn't just there to fill a spot; they reacted brilliantly, even though Albion played a role in their own struggle.

Furlong and Semi Ajayi made crucial last-minute interceptions that helped prevent the blue team from scoring.

Albion made things difficult for themselves. In less than a minute, they were intercepted while trying to pass the ball out from Alex Palmer. Both midfielders, Jayson Molumby and Mowatt, were caught off guard. Callum Lang got a break after Mowatt, but his shot ended up deflecting off target.

The home team was in control, but Albion still posed a significant danger. Karlan Grant had a close call as he was stopped by a narrow save during a fast break with an advantage of five against four. Shortly after, John Swift missed the target by shooting over the crossbar.

Maja was effectively defended by Tom McIntyre from 12 yards away when he had a chance to score another goal. Shortly after, Fellows fired a shot over the bar, prompting local fans to express their frustration with referee Leigh Doughty for not calling any fouls.

Doughty seemed like he might lose his composure as the referee issued several warnings. However, home goalkeeper Norris made an incredible save at close range, managing to stop Maja's header and keep his team in the game.

A lengthy throw reached the top scorer at the far post, and somehow Norris managed to react just in time. Replays from the goal-line technology revealed that the ball was only millimeters away from crossing the line.

Grant was positioned a little farther back when his header narrowly missed the target from another excellent cross by the impressive Fellows during an exciting first half.

The start of the second period was calmer and more sophisticated.

Molumby had witnessed Norris catch a manageable curl, but shortly after, his teammate in the midfield demonstrated the proper technique.

Mowatt reclaimed the ball from Swift and, moving to the right side of the Pompey box, positioned himself perfectly before sending a beautiful curved shot into the top far corner of the net. The precise placement of his shot left Norris unable to respond.

The elegant second goal took the momentum away from the home team, both on the field and among the fans. Maja nearly scored with a shot that deflected just off target as Albion played confidently.

Josh Murphy, in his first game for Pompey, demonstrated his potential with a powerful left-foot shot from a distance that narrowly missed the target.

After the hour mark, things started to shift, but Albion benefited from the impactful appearances of Jed Wallace, Diangana, and Uros Racic.

Maja showcased his effortless confidence once again when he took a shot from just outside the center circle. Unfortunately, it didn't have enough height and went off target.

The away supporters erupted into tunes from Oasis when Mikey Johnston was seen getting prepared to come on. Just before he took the field, he nearly scored a fantastic goal during his second debut for the Baggies. Shortly after, Mowatt sealed the game with his second goal, a brilliant free-kick that sailed into the upper right corner, putting a stylish finish on a great day for the league leaders on the south coast.

Portsmouth's lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation featured Norris as the goalkeeper. The defense included Swanson, McIntyre—who was substituted for Poole in the 76th minute—Williams, and Ogilvie. In the midfield, Pack served as captain alongside Dozzell, who was replaced by Kamara in the 62nd minute. The attacking trio consisted of Lane, who was substituted for Blair in the 62nd minute, Lang, and Murphy, who made way for Silvera also in the 62nd minute. Up front, Saydee was taken off for Sorensen in the 75th minute.

Unused substitutes: Schmid, Towler, Yengi, Ritchie.

Albion set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Palmer protected the goal; Furlong, Ajayi, Bartley (captain), and Heggem formed the defense. In midfield, Molumby was substituted by Racic in the 67th minute, alongside Mowatt. The attacking trio featured Fellows, who was replaced by Wallace during the 67th minute, Swift, who made way for Diangana also in the 67th minute, and Grant, substituted by Johnston in the 80th minute. Lastly, Maja was substituted by Dobbin in the 80th minute.

Unused substitutes: Wildsmith, Holgate, Frabotta, Diakite.

Crowd Size: 20,205 (2,159 supporters from Albion)