Pompey were in control pretty much the whole game, with Dejan striking a free kick at goal that Schwarzer did well to parry away for a corner. We took the lead soon after as that corner was swung into the box and not dealt with by Boro's defence as the ball was helped across the box and the oppurtunistic Kanu slotted home the opener. Middlesbrough tried to put on the pressure during the first half but despite Stewart Downing's delivery, our defence dealt with everything that the Teesiders had to throw at us.
After the break, things got even better as Pompey won an early corner and from the delivery poor defending allowed Benjani to head in his second goal for Pompey, as well as the second goal of the game. Middlesbrough had a decent free kick saved by David James but that was as close as they got really. Things would then get worse for Gareth Southgate as some deep Pompey defending resulted in a clearance that was picked up by Kanu who then used his long legs to stretch the ball beyond the Boro back four leaving him with only Schwarzer to beat as the chasing defenders could not catch him. Kanu finished off his work with a quality finish which would then put the game beyond the home side, but we were not finished yet.
Boro continued to try and find a goal but our rearguard would not allow them any clear cut chance at goal and then the home fans' misery was complete as Toddy; who came on as sub, lobbed Schwarzer in stoppage time to score a classy fourth and seal our biggest ever away win in the Premiership.
There is absolutely no doubt we were worth our win tonight. Linvoy and Sol were immense yet again, limiting Viduka and Yakubu to half chances at best. I thought Dejan was great at left back and Pamarot kept Downing quieter than many of the other full backs who have tried before him. The midfield battled well but it was the front two who were the main men tonight. Benjani was brilliant and tore Middlesbrough's defence apart at times, constantly getting in behind them and working his arse off as usual. He was well deserving of his goal.
Kanu takes man of the match though. His poachers goal added to his excellent second capped off an evening where his hold up play was also very good. The Boro defence didn't know how to handle him and if there were any questions about him being a bad signing, they are fast being answered by his excellent displays on the pitch. As for Boro, well the highlight of the game for them were the two pitch invaders to provide some light entertainment on what was a dismal performance that has brought Southgate and his side right back down to earth.
That's seven points from nine now, with the best defence in the league having not conceded a goal. On early performances we look like a completely different side to last season! It has been a fantastic start but we cannot get too carried away. As Harry mentioned in his post-match interview, if we get injuries in key positions we're in trouble! There's three days until the transfer window closes now so hopefully we can add some quality players to it.
There's an international break now so we will be second in the league for a while, so let's enjoy the nosebleeds whilst we can!