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FOOTBALL PLAYBACK

Portsmouth 7 Reading 4-
Full Match

Portsmouth 7 Reading 4

FOOTBALL PLAYBACK

Portsmouth 7 Reading 4: The Highest Scoring Match in Premier League History

On September 29, 2007, Fratton Park witnessed one of the most unforgettable matches in Premier League history as Portsmouth claimed a 7-4 victory over Reading. This epic clash holds the record for the highest-scoring match in Premier League history and is remembered for its sheer unpredictability, drama, and relentless attacking football. The match saw 11 goals scored in total, making it a remarkable contest that showcased the excitement and unpredictability of the English top flight.

 

Managed by the charismatic Harry Redknapp, Portsmouth entered the game with an attacking lineup featuring players like Benjani Mwaruwari, Niko Kranjčar, Sulley Muntari, and Sean Davis. Redknapp’s side was known for playing entertaining football, but few could have anticipated the goal-fest that would unfold at Fratton Park that afternoon. On the other hand, Reading, managed by Steve Coppell, were also known for their adventurous, open style of play. With both teams opting for an attacking approach, the stage was set for a memorable match.

 

 

Early Goals Set the Tone for Portsmouth 7 Reading 4

 

The match began with an explosive start, with Portsmouth taking the lead as early as the seventh minute. Benjani Mwaruwari, who would go on to become the star of the show, scored the opening goal. The Zimbabwean striker capitalised on some poor defending from Reading, slotting the ball into the back of the net to give Portsmouth an early advantage. Benjani's goal was a sign of things to come, as the game quickly turned into a frantic, end-to-end affair.

 

Reading, however, responded almost immediately. In the 16th minute, Stephen Hunt levelled the score with a well-placed header that caught Portsmouth’s defence napping. Hunt’s goal came after a series of attacking moves by Reading, who were determined not to sit back despite conceding early. His equaliser set the tone for a pulsating contest, as both sides showed little interest in playing conservatively.

 

The game continued at a frenetic pace, with both teams attacking relentlessly. Portsmouth regained the lead in the 20th minute as Kranjčar struck a beautifully placed shot from the edge of the area. The Croatian midfielder had time and space to pick his spot, curling the ball past Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann to make it 2-1. Kranjčar’s goal was a moment of individual brilliance, highlighting Portsmouth’s attacking quality and ability to capitalise on Reading’s defensive frailties.

 

 

Benjani’s Hat-Trick Heroics in Portsmouth 7 Reading 4

As the game continued to ebb and flow, Benjani was about to take centre stage. The powerful striker made it 3-1 to Portsmouth in the 37th minute, scoring his second goal of the afternoon. This time, he met a cross from the right with a well-timed header, outmuscling Reading's defenders to double Portsmouth’s advantage. Benjani’s physicality and clinical finishing were proving too much for Reading’s defence to handle, and his second goal further cemented Portsmouth’s dominance in the first half.

Reading, however, were not finished yet. Dave Kitson pulled one back for the Royals just before halftime, making it 3-2. Kitson’s goal, a header from close range, ensured that Reading remained in the contest as the teams headed into the break. Despite being under pressure for much of the half, Coppell’s side continued to show resilience and attacking intent, setting the stage for more drama in the second half.

The second half began with Reading pressing forward in search of an equaliser, but it was Portsmouth who extended their lead. Benjani completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute, scoring his third goal of the match to make it 4-2. This goal came after a rapid counter-attack, with Benjani once again demonstrating his composure in front of goal. His hat-trick was a testament to his quality as a striker and his ability to capitalise on the numerous chances that Portsmouth created.

 

 

The Goal Fest Continues in Portsmouth 7 Reading 4

With Portsmouth 4-2 up, it seemed as though the game was out of Reading’s reach. However, the match took another twist when Reading pulled one back in the 75th minute through Shane Long. Long’s goal, a scrappy finish from close range, made it 4-3 and reignited Reading’s hopes of a comeback. The goal came after a period of sustained pressure from the visitors as they looked to exploit Portsmouth’s defensive lapses.

 

Portsmouth, however, responded almost immediately. Just two minutes after Long’s goal, Sean Davis restored Portsmouth’s two-goal cushion with a well-placed strike from outside the box. Davis, who had been orchestrating Portsmouth’s midfield throughout the match, struck the ball sweetly into the bottom corner to make it 5-3. His goal was yet another example of Portsmouth’s attacking prowess and their ability to respond when under pressure.

 

Sulley Muntari then added to Reading’s misery in the 80th minute, scoring Portsmouth’s sixth goal with a stunning long-range effort. Muntari, known for his powerful shots from distance, unleashed a thunderbolt from 25 yards that flew past Hahnemann and into the top corner. It was a goal of the highest quality, showcasing Muntari’s technique and adding to the list of standout moments in the match.

 

As the game approached its conclusion, Reading’s defence continued to crumble. In the 87th minute, Portsmouth added a seventh goal, courtesy of an own goal from Sol Campbell. Campbell, who had been a rock at the back for most of the match, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net following a mix-up with goalkeeper David James. It was a cruel twist for Portsmouth’s captain, but with the scoreline already so heavily in Portsmouth’s favour, it had little impact on the outcome of the match.

 

 

Reading’s Consolation and Full-Time in Portsmouth 7 Reading 4

 

Despite being on the wrong end of the scoreline, Reading refused to give up and scored a late consolation goal in stoppage time. Nicky Shorey’s cross was met by Dave Kitson, who headed the ball past David James to make it 7-4. Kitson’s second goal of the game gave Reading a glimmer of pride, but it was not enough to salvage anything from the contest.

 

The final whistle blew with the score at 7-4, marking the highest-scoring match in Premier League history. For Portsmouth, it was a remarkable victory that showcased their attacking flair and highlighted the talents of players like Benjani, Kranjčar, Muntari, and Davis. For Reading, it was a sobering defeat that exposed their defensive vulnerabilities, although their willingness to attack and take risks ensured they contributed to an entertaining contest.

 

 

Benjani’s Breakthrough Performance in Portsmouth 7 Reading 4

 

One of the standout performers from the match was undoubtedly Benjani Mwaruwari. The Zimbabwean striker’s hat trick was a demonstration of his quality as a clinical finisher, and his physical presence and work rate caused problems for Reading’s defence throughout the game. Benjani’s ability to find space in the box and take advantage of opportunities was a key factor in Portsmouth’s victory.

 

This match was something of a breakthrough performance for Benjani, who would go on to enjoy a successful spell with Portsmouth. His performance against Reading marked him out as one of the most dangerous forwards in the league at the time, and his hat trick was one of the highlights of his career. Benjani’s goalscoring exploits were a major factor in Portsmouth’s success that season, as they went on to finish eighth in the Premier League and win the FA Cup later that year.

 

 

Muntari’s Thunderbolt and Kranjčar’s Class in Portsmouth 7 Reading 4

 

While Benjani took the headlines with his hat-trick, Portsmouth’s other attacking players also played crucial roles in the victory. Sulley Muntari’s long-range strike was one of the standout moments of the match. Muntari, who was known for his powerful shooting ability, showcased his technique with a thunderous effort from distance that left Hahnemann with no chance. The Ghanaian midfielder’s goal was a reminder of the individual brilliance that Portsmouth possessed in their squad.

 

Niko Kranjčar was another key player for Portsmouth in this match. His goal in the 20th minute was a moment of class as he calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net after finding space on the edge of the box. Kranjčar’s creativity and vision were on full display throughout the match, as he provided several key passes and linked up play between midfield and attack.

 

 

Portsmouth 7 Reading 4: The Impact on Both Teams

 

The result of this incredible match had a significant impact on both teams. For Portsmouth, the 7-4 victory was a statement of intent, showing that they were capable of competing with the best teams in the league. Harry Redknapp’s side went on to finish eighth in the Premier League that season, securing a solid mid-table finish. However, their greatest achievement came in the FA Cup, where they went on to lift the trophy at the end of the season. Portsmouth’s FA Cup triumph in 2008 was a crowning moment for the club, and the 7-4 victory over Reading was a highlight of their league campaign.

 

Reading, on the other hand, struggled to maintain their Premier League status after this defeat. Despite their attacking prowess, their defensive frailties were a constant issue throughout the season. Reading finished 18th in the Premier League that year and were relegated to the Championship. Although they had shown glimpses of quality, their inability to tighten up at the back ultimately cost them their place in the top flight.

 

 

The Legacy of Portsmouth 7 Reading 4

 

Portsmouth’s 7-4 victory over Reading remains one of the most memorable matches in Premier League history. The sheer number of goals, the quality of the strikes, and the drama that unfolded at Fratton Park have cemented this game in the annals of English football. It was a match that epitomized the unpredictability and excitement of the Premier League, where anything can happen on any given day.

For Portsmouth fans, this match is remembered fondly as one of the high points of their time in the Premier League. The performance of Benjani, the brilliance of Kranjčar and Muntari, and the sheer spectacle of 11 goals being scored in a single match made it a day to remember.

 

For Reading, the match serves as a reminder of the fine margins in football. Despite scoring four goals away from home, they left Fratton Park with nothing to show for it, and their defensive weaknesses were laid bare. Nevertheless, the match was a showcase of Reading’s attacking intent and their commitment to playing an entertaining brand of football.

 

The legacy of Portsmouth 7 Reading 4 endures to this day, and it remains a benchmark for high-scoring thrillers in the Premier League. It stands as a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of English football, where even the most unassuming fixtures can produce unforgettable moments.


 

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