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Portsmouth goalkeeper David James - Source: Reuters -
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Portsmouth's 1-0 defeat at home to Everton on Sunday meant the struggling south coast club became the first English top flight side to lose their opening seven games of the season for 79 years.
They are only the fourth team in the top division to suffer such an ignominious start and the first since Manchester United in 1930-31, who were relegated after losing their opening 12 matches.
Bolton Wanderers (1902-03) and Liverpool (1899-1900) also started a campaign with seven consecutive defeats.
One day after Portsmouth owner Sulaiman al-Fahim said he would inject 50 million pounds ($79.94 million) into the club, Everton's Louis Saha struck just before halftime to prolong the agony of home fans at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth's pre-season was overshadowed by doubts over the club's financial position and manager Paul Hart, who saved the team from relegation last season, was powerless as several of his best players were sold.
Despite the terrible start, Hart remained upbeat on Saturday. "We created a lot of chances and played tremendously well," he told the club's website.
"We're shooting ourselves in the foot but if we retain the same spirit and get down to work on Monday morning then it's inevitable that we'll turn it round."
