PORTSMOUTH - ROBINHO was hauled off as Manchester City's wretched form on the road continued with a 2-0 defeat at managerless Premier League strugglers Portsmouth on Saturday.

The Brazilian superstar was substituted 25 minutes from time after producing another poor away performance as City slumped to the seventh league loss of the season on their travels.

Second half goals from Glen Johnson and Hermann Hreidarsson did the damage to heap more pressure on City manager Mark Hughes and give Pompey's own survival hopes a major boost on a day that saw goalkeeper David James set a new record of 536 Premier League appearances.

City, one of the England goalkeeper's former clubs, were depleted by the loss of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Richard Dunne through suspension while Micah Richards was forced to withdraw because of an ankle injury.

Rookie Irish defender Shaleum Logan was handed a Premier League debut in place of the stricken Richards.

Portsmouth, who had Paul Hart and former Manchester United number two Brian Kidd in caretaker charge, were clearly eager to impress any prospective new manager following Tony Adams' sacking and would have been 2-0 up at half time but for David Nugent's profligacy.

Nugent should have put Pompey into the lead in the tenth minute when he raced onto Niko Kranjcar's lofted through ball but a heavy first touch forced him wide and the former England international could only shoot into Shay Given's side netting.

City hammered Portsmouth 6-0 in the reverse fixture in September but it took until the 23rd minute for Hughes' side to register their first shot in anger when Brazilian midfielder Elano put a 25-yard curler high into the stands behind James's goal.

Portsmouth finally got the goal they deserved in the 70th minute when Glen Johnson took advantage of more woeful City defending.

The England defender was left free to cut in from the right touchline before seeing a powerful 12-yard shot beaten away by Given. City's defenders stood and watched as Johnson hammered the rebound past the grounded Given and into the roof of the net.

Hreidarsson put the game out of City's reach 15 minutes later by climbing to plant a bullet header into the top right corner from Pennant's right wing corner.

James' fine flying save from substitute Ched Evans' 80th minute header ensured his milestone appearance was marked with a clean sheet.

City were booed off by their travelling supporters at the final whistle and the defeat would have been even more comprehensive but for Logan's goalline clearance to deny Johnson a second goal in the final minute. -- AFP