Joe Gallen hailed a dominant Pompey display against Arsenal’s youngsters in the Checkatrade Trophy.
An early Brett Pitman goal was followed by the Blues hitting the woodwork on three separate occasions at Fratton Park.
Bukayo Saka did level for the Gunners – who included former France international Laurent Koscielny in their line-up – but Andre Green then struck a winner for the second time in as many games.
It was a result that sent Pompey into the last 16 of the competition and Gallen was happy with what he saw.
The Blues assistant manager said: “It was a really good performance – in both the first and second half – and we thoroughly deserved the win.
“I didn’t think it was going to come because we hit the post twice and also the bar, but we’re pleased with how we played from back to front.
"It was a really good performance – in both the first and second half – and we thoroughly deserved the win."
“They scored with one of their only shots on target and gained some confidence from that, although we soon settled back into things.
“We didn’t quite get it right from set-pieces last season, but we’ve improved on that and it was nice to see Brett score from one.
“That was something we wanted to rectify and perhaps these academy sides don’t put as much emphasis on them.
“We had some younger players out there, along with the experienced guys who needed minutes to keep up their fitness levels. I was pleased with the attitude of all of them.”
Adam May was named man-of-the-match following his return from a loan spell at Aldershot, while youngsters Matt Casey and Freddie Read impressed on their debuts.
Gallen said: “We know Adam’s got a lot of talent – nobody’s denying that – but he’s found it difficult to break into the team and he’s needed to be out there playing men’s football.
“He’s not a natural left-footer, but it looked like that when he smashed one against the woodwork in the second half.
“Matt came in alongside Christian Burgess and it could have been daunting, but he grew in confidence and you expect him to win headers when you look at the size of him.
“Freddie’s neat and tidy. He didn’t give the ball away, keeping it rolling and has got really a good attitude.”