Post Pompey: Owen

Following his goal and tremendous performance against Pompey, Michael Owen was a man in demand in front of the cameras following the game. Speaking to the media he successfully dodged the majority of contract questions, in a Shearer-eque ambassador manner, and said:

'We are looking up and have moved up a few positions. Like most teams, we have a few games over Christmas. This is the best time to gain a bit of confidence. If we can keep that run going, we will be clear of relegation over Christmas and wondering what all the fuss was about.

It was a typical away performance - the first half was nothing to write home about. It was a tight performance, but whoever scored first would do well in the second half. We tried to keep them out in the first half and there were half chances either side, but we nicked the first one and then picked them off.

Defoe and Crouch is a good partnership. They are both international players and they are the classic little and large partnership. Myself and Oba have played a lot of international games as well though. There was plenty on show at Portsmouth, but thankfully it was us who ran out with the three goals."

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