The first half showcased Pompey’s attacking capabilities, while they displayed plenty of grit after the break.
So John Mousinho was delighted the overall display of his side in a thoroughly deserved 2-0 victory at Fleetwood.
Colby Bishop ensured the visitors had a lead at the break to match their dominance, only for Joe Morrell to then get dismissed for two bookable offences.
But Joe Pigott came off the bench to settle any nerves and Mousinho was full of praise for the performance.
The Blues boss said: “We obviously didn’t make life easy for ourselves in the second half, but to defend how we did and come away with three points – these are the games that count.
“Fleetwood is a tough, tough place to play and they threw everything at us, while we had the sending off and an injury. But we dug in to get the win and it’s really impressive.
“We played really well in the first half and got on top of them, completely dominating the opening stages.
“Our goal wasn’t threatened at the other end, so I was really pleased. We stood up to the challenge and that’s what impressed me the most.
"We played really well in the first half and got on top of them, completing dominating the opening stages."
“Joe came on and provided us with an outlet when we were down to 10 men and got a goal, so we’re delighted for him.
“Unfortunately, Ronan Curtis has turned his ankle and I’m gutted for him because his work-rate was incredible.
“He was the threat that I want him to be for this club and we’ll assess the injury. We’ll settle it down and see how it is.”
A handball saw Morrell receive his marching orders at Highbury Stadium, but Mousinho is not blaming the midfielder.
He said: “Joe apologised afterwards, but I told him that he didn’t need to – it was just a rush of blood to the head.
“I thought he was a bit unlucky with the first yellow. There was a bit of a melee and the referee decided to book both players, inexplicably giving Fleetwood the free-kick.
“There’s no problem with Joe and he’s been absolutely brilliant for us in the two games I’ve had so far.
“It would have been the same message from me if it had ended up costing us points, but thankfully it hasn’t.”