When their chief relegation rivals Birmingham City thrashed Portsmouth 5–0 – their heaviest defeat to date in the Premier League at the time, and also their sixth consecutive match without scoring a goal – Portsmouth looked certain to be relegated and the result also seemed to have put both Birmingham and West Brom out of Pompey's reach. Despite a valiant effort, the club were unable to repeat their home success against Manchester United for a third consecutive season, losing their tilt at Fratton Park 3–1.