Photo @jcoles1990
Kusini Yengi staked his claim as Colby Bishop’s replacement with a goal and man-of-the-match performance in Pompey’s 2-0 win over title-rivals Bolton Wanderers at Fratton Park.
In a fascinating battle, Yengi was up against one of the best defenders in the division, Ricardo Santos. Right from the off, the two men were clearly at war with fouls going both ways.
Ultimately, it was Yengi who had the last laugh. A goal in the 88th minute to seal the win and send the Blues 6 points clear at the top of the table.
It was no less than the Australian forward deserved. He’d been a headache for Santos and the rest of the Bolton defence all game. Relentless pressing, holding the ball up incredibly well and if it wasn’t for an unfortunate slip after winning a duel with the aforementioned Santos, Yengi would have had an assist to add to his impressive outing.
The stats show just what a performance it was from the 24-year-old:
4 aerial duels won (67%)
100% successful dribbles
10 accurate passes
3 shots on target
There was, naturally, a lot of concern when Bishop limped off in the 2-0 win up at Burton Albion, but Yengi proved tonight that he is capable of leading the line for Pompey. The celebration was an example of how confident he is, a Yengi-dance followed by a Bellingham-Esque pose in front of the Fratton End? This is his world, and we’re simply allowed to exist in it.
We musn’t get carried away, he is still a young player finding his feet in League One but it was a top performance. Keep playing like that, and it won’t be an easy ride for Colby Bishop to get back in the side.
