Substitute Sinclair Armstrong scored twice as Bristol City thrashed Portsmouth to move to within one point of the Championship play-off places.
The Robins took the lead after 11 minutes when Adam Randell rifled home from outside the penalty area, before top-scorer Anis Mehmeti made the most of a misplaced pass from goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid to double the lead.
Forward Scott Twine’s first-time volley made it three after the half-time break, and a second half double from Armstrong wrapped up a joyous New Year’s Day at Ashton Gate.
The result returned Bristol City to winning ways following defeat at Millwall, and ended Portsmouth’s four-game unbeaten run.
John Mousinho’s visitors went into this New Year’s Day fixture still on a high from their dramatic win against Charlton on Monday, but after a period of early pressure the wheels quickly came off.
Pompey had barely got out of their own half when a cleared Twine free-kick fell to midfielder Randell on the edge of the penalty area.
He took the ball down on his chest before firing a swerving shot into the top-right hand corner.
As Portsmouth tried to get themselves back into the match, a pass from keeper Schmid was cut out by Memeti who charged goalwards, and his deflected shot found its way into the net.
The second half did not bring a reprieve for the away side as a Neto Borges cross landed on the boot of Twine, whose sumptuous volley was nestling in the back of the goal before Schmid had hit the ground.
Substitute Sam Bell then latched onto another wayward pass from Schmid and played it to Armstrong, who managed to squeeze his shot under a retreating Portsmouth defender.
Portsmouth’s best chance of the match came just before the 70-minute mark when forward Mackenzie Kirk had a free header saved by Max O’Leary from six yards.
Armstrong, who has struggled for form since joining the Robins in the summer of 2024, was then found in the box with his back to goal, but he turned and smashed the ball into the roof of the net.
Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber speaking to BBC Radio Bristol:
“This result could be nearly perfect. We executed the high press so well and this is what makes me really happy.
“We gifted Portsmouth nothing today. We got a clean sheet, we were stable and in control, and killed every hope they had.
“The whole atmosphere in the team is on a really good level right now. We had a plan and we executed it.”
On Adam Randell scoring for a second game running: “He is crazy right now; he is at an outstanding level and I am super happy with how he is growing and that he has had a really good development.
On whether Sinclair Armstrong has turned a corner this season: “There was no turning point for him this season, we are just at a point where he understands what I want, what he can be, and what his outstanding strengths are.”
Portsmouth boss John Mousinho speaking to BBC Radio Solent:
“Bristol City completely dominated us, we have to move on very quickly as we have some important games coming up.
“As a coaching staff we have to take responsibility for the team set up and tactics, the players have to take responsibility for their part too.
“There were a couple of goals we shot ourselves in the foot with giving them the ball.
“I said to the players we have to move on, show up on Sunday, run about and look like we can have a go, because we have no other choice.
“It’s tough for us out there at the moment with the injuries we’ve got, but hopefully the fans can stick with us as we have some big games coming up.”
