Portsmouth halted a poor run to boost their Championship survival bid with a gritty 1-1 draw at Carrow Road.
Pelle Mattsson put Norwich ahead in the 26th minute after Madiodio Dia’s weak clearance dropped to the Danish midfielder, who drove a low shot into the bottom corner. The visitors earned a priceless equaliser late on when Mattsson diverted Andre Dozzell’s 81st-minute free-kick into his own net under pressure, levelling the game in the 84th minute.
The match started scrappy, but Norwich gradually took control. Mathias Kvistgaarden was unlucky when a scissor-kick from a Paris Maghoma header was deflected wide, and Mattsson’s opener followed soon after. Portsmouth remained competitive and nearly drew level before half-time when Marlon Pack’s in-swinging corner struck the post and a frantic scramble was cleared by the hosts.
The second half produced few clear chances until the closing stages. Mattsson nearly extended Norwich’s lead with a looping header that drifted just wide in the 81st minute, but Pompey responded minutes later. Dozzell’s set-piece was flicked on by Colby Bishop and, with Regan Poole applying pressure, Mattsson turned the ball into his own net. Norwich pushed for a late winner—Ali Ahmed volleyed straight at Portsmouth goalkeeper Nicholas Schmid—but Portsmouth held firm to claim a deserved point.
Norwich manager Philippe Clement said he felt his side had done enough to win, pointing to good periods of possession and missed final passes, and lamented the lack of a second goal. He also noted the absence of some internationals from his starting lineup and frustration over substitutions and game management, but accepted the result and stressed the need to move on.
Portsmouth boss John Mousinho praised his players’ response after a difficult recent patch, calling the point and performance exactly what the team needed ahead of another crucial fixture. He highlighted his side’s improved second-half control and credited their resilience, saying the result showed Portsmouth can compete when they apply themselves.