Callum Johnson has backed Pompey to recover from their underwhelming start to the 2020/21 campaign.
Following successive goalless draws on the opening two weekends was a rare home defeat, as Wigan enjoyed a 2-1 victory at Fratton Park.
Ellis Harrison struck late, but it was no more than a consolation following earlier strikes from Lee Evans and Tom James.
Summer signing Johnson admitted that the Blues were well below their best and knows they have to quickly find their feet to climb the table.
The right-back said: “It was frustrating and it was a massive game for us to try to get three points after two draws.
“But it wasn’t to be and we didn’t play very well as a team, if I’m being honest. We definitely need to see where we can improve.
“After the first 20 minutes I was thinking there was no way we weren’t winning the game, but when you’re on top you need to make the most of it.
"I’ve seen the quality we’ve got in training and also in spells during matches. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be at the top end."
“I think it’s a totally different outcome if we get the first goal – then they score and it just completely switches.
“It hasn’t been a good start to the season and we want to be up at the other end of the table, but it is early days.
“We do have to turn things around quickly, though, so it’s important to regroup and be ready to go again next week.
“I’ve seen the quality we’ve got in training and also in spells during matches. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be at the top end.
“That gives you light at the end of the tunnel and we believe that eventually something will click and we can build momentum.”
Pompey had planned to allow up to 1,000 fans into the ground as part of a test event, but games will still be taking place behind closed doors for the foreseeable future.
Johnson said: We just have to accept it because it looks like that’s going to be the case for most of the season. You can’t use that as the reason for not winning.”