[quote][cite]Posted By: nth london addick[/cite]there was a different feel in the place, you could sense it and i think that if any thing the patient way in which we approached the day was partially down to not wanting chris powells day to turn sour.
it was not a rocking valley it was not a full on attack attack attack but it was genniunely different.
i cant stick my finger on it it can be the CP affect but i think there was more than that, i think cp had the stature, the pressence the calmness annd considered approach that could mark him out to be a very intellectual and fantastic mgr[/quote]
It had that sound and fell on the commentary, previously the tension was there and you could feel it where as this had more a quiet , calm , waiting ... as opposed to a tense anticipation and if that didnt come the crowd would turn against the team...
Obviously not perfect, BUT, a good start, a win, a cleansheet and much better defending from all!
CP will now have a better idea of our strengths/weaknesses and can start to make some tweaks here and there.
I thought there was a bit more unity evident yesterday from the players which was pleasing and clearly more coaching from the sidelines, one of PP's biggest criticisms.
I thought we were set up interestingly - at least the current management have thought about a way to get more out of Wagstaff and Ansiyah up front with Benson suspended. I did think we'd come out of the blocks far quicker.
However, we were patient, kept things simple, gave and go and tried to work openings rather than try to force them. We had the better chances and overall, we deserved the win. Plymouth had a ten minute spell at the start of the second half, but in general we stopped them playing.
I thought McCormack did very well, considering he was out of position and playing football really does help when Racon plays as he did, because he makes more space for himself than any other player on the pitch with his touch.
The change is style and free flowing football from it is not going to happen overnight. I am glad we tried to play our way to a win and Wagstaff's goal shows what real hard work can do - pressure, don't give up, chase everything down. Abbott was disappointing when he came on - for a big lump he doesn't jump.
Ecclestone's pace will help us stretch teams and at this level him and Ansiyah could cause all sorts of problems.
Nothing wrong with setting yourselves up not to lose - especially if you can have the majority of shots on goal, chances and actual goals scored. I would take 5 wins on the bounce from the new manager - confidence will come back and the team will be difficult to stop then.
Remember, until today we'd won 1 game in 10 (I think?) - so confidence takes a while to get back.
I also had a nice tidy amount on draw half time, Charlton win. A good day all round!
I thought we were solid and more cohesive yesterday, we played with a bit more confidence and apart from the spell at the start of the 2nd half where Plymouth pushed on a bit and had a few shots (mostly awful ones) once we scored the goal we really threw it at them and there was only ever going to be one winner, Waggy's goal was a real poachers effort and Ecclestone's was top drawer. Defence were decent too.
[cite]Posted By: Valley_floyd_red[/cite] Where we let ourselves down was in delivery from wide positions, corners and free kick. Francis is just not good enough at taking free kicks and corners and I suspect that first thing Monday morning that's what he'll find himself doing.
The second half a much better game of football, Plymouth started to play and could have scored a couple of times. but this opened them up to the error that lead to our first goal. I loved Waggy's celebration, you can see how much he cares.
I liked the way we chased everything, we looked like we really wanted the ball. The second goal was just a joy to behold. I remember thinking, I really hope he just decides to take these two defenders on and have a crack... and he did!
Yes their is room for improvement but I would not let that get in the way of what was a terrific day in Charlton's history.
All of this, especially pertaining to Eccleston's goal. Very well taken. Waggy's goal was great as well, that's why you don't stop running for the ball.
First half quite disappointing and a bit of work to do still, but obvious that we CAN DO.
I thought Peter Reids post match comments were spot on.
Thought they came to contain us and were doing it with ease.
Having got to half time with nairy a threat to their goalmoth, they came out second half and were gradually starting to boss the game.
They then gifted us a goal, and as Reidy said "goals change games".
I also think, had Parky been in charge there would have been booing after 20 mins; at which point the team would have lost belief and resorted to the hoofing game we know and hate
I think the outporing of goodwill and latitude shown by the fans gave the players the confidence to persist with the game plan.
I liked the way we tried a more patient passing game; and I liked the movement and running of Waggy, Anyinsah and Eccles up front.
Generally think Powelly got a perfect example the best and the worst of us during yesterdays game and in the long run that will be of more benefit to him than if the players had given Plymouth an inspired and out of chracter mauling.
For what it's worth I'm glad Parky's gone and I'm glad Chris is in and I think yesterday was a little progress to build on.
Goals help and I enjoyed both ours yesterday and yes I did walk away from the Valley with a smile and warm glow for the first time in ages.
still plenty of work to do and it is still the same team who are lacking quality in some areas, particuarly creatively.
Having said that there were positives. As others have said, the team showed more composure and didn't resort to long balls when they didn't get the early breakthrough. The subs were attacking and meant that we didn't spend the last ten minutes penned in. Hopefully cp can get some decent signings in to complement a team that has a decent spine.
Travelled up from the westcountry for my first home game for a couple of years yesterday, thought the first half was pretty average, the highlight being the ref going off & the crowd singing "your not fit to referee!" There has been a lot of debate about playing style on here - passing & possession v long ball. Thought we had a lot of possession in the first half but didn't do anything with it, Plymouth looked very comfortable with 10 behind the ball & I thought the game had nil-nil written all over it. Surprised its not been mentioned but our best chance of the first half came from a long punt from our own half through to Waggy.
Second half was a better game of football, with Plymouth putting us under a bit of pressure and we finding a bit more space as a consequence. Thought Fletchers shot was in when it hit the top of the net. Waggys goal was fortunate, but he deserved something for the amount of running he put in during the match & Ecclestone looked lively & took he goal well.
Clean sheet was nice, but the back line is going to come up against much sterner tests than Plymouth in the weeks to come. If we are going to play possession football with Anyinsah and Waggy up front then we need someone in the centre of the park that can thread a pass in order to take advantage of their pace & quick feet.
First half the crowd and team were patient...absolutely no end product but better to play it back to a defender in your own half than play hoof ball - who needs Ray Wilkins!
Second half tells me that charlton are turning it around and there's still a few days to sign a couple - would love to see more options in midfield as I think we have got what it takes up front
playing style? Don't give a monkeys as the aim has to be escaping from league 1... Look at Norwich and Leeds we can worry about style in the summer. Genuinely think we can win play-offs now but will only make top 2 if others trip up
For his first match CP used the same system and tactics used by Peacock/Matthew at Spurs & Sheff W. Plymouth would have covered both games and worked all week on containing the 4-4-1-1 system, which they did comfortably during the first half. The fact that CP did not make a change or adjust at half-time is an indication that he is still learning about his squad. It will take him a few matches to assess what his best line- up is and where he needs to improve the team. It will be interesting to see if he wants to play 4-4-2, 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1. We'll find out more at Rochdale.
A very good start, 3 points, a clean sheet and an indication that Eccleston will be an asset if we can get the ball to him in the right areas. Delivery at Set Plays was poor (Francis, Reid & Jackson) and there were too many pretty tippy-tappy 10 yard passes in front of the opposition which allowed them to sit comfortably behind the ball. But apart from that very encouraging.
Yes, SCP picked the same team, but there were subtle differences - he pushed Waggy further forward, and got the defence to hold a higher line, so his influence is starting to show already. Will be interesting to see if Benno comes straight back in.
Enjoyed it yesterday - despite there still being some moans and groans round about us in NU. Was worried at times in the first half that SCP must have been wondering what he had let himself in for - so different from his playing days in terms of size of crowd and atmosphere. Fortunately it all came together in the second half, so we left happy.
Things remain fragile, but I loved reading the post match comments - Chris' calming influence and strong belief can and must make a difference.
It wasn't a great performance but it was patient and we got there in the end. We didn't resort too often to hoofing and hoping and tried to be more constructive in our build up. CP wasn't going to be able to change much in a week but pushing Waggy on a bit more certainly helped. My main worry is centre midfield. There is no creativity there and almost every pass is at best sideways. We need to get someone in there who is willing to get the ball and move forwards with it and start creating chances for others and/or themselves. Semedo sits so deep he is nearly a centre half. CP can only work with what he has been left with and in my opinion that isn't a team capable of the top two. Top six and then the play-off lottery perhaps. Two or three new signings could make all the difference though. However we can't expect things to change overnight and CP needs to be afforded the time to get things right, even if that means another season in League 1.
Lads, we can't expect Powelly to know our team inside out after a watched game or two and few training sessions. Maybe the leicester squad but not ours of as of yet, 3 points is beautiful and the ONLY thing that matters in this league.. sheff weds got battered, saints lost, brighton lost and people are looking into the fact the game was a bit of a bore..
Give me a few games i'll comment on how Powelly is progressing, but now, he's learning his team and any gaps he'll fill with loans.. and seemed to bring on Ecclestone at the right time, aswell as Abbott who helped greatly in the goal!
Elliot didn't need to do much, and after seeing Plymouths goals against Dons it's lucky he didn't, as it'd be picking it out his net.
I was pleased with the performance, a clean sheet (did Plymouth actually have an attempt on target?), 2 good goals and a confident performance all round where we never really looked in trouble, I felt like there was already some changes and improvements already installed in the team. Defensively we were never really bothered, midfield was solid, Jackson was quiet but I think McCormack ran the show this week with Wagstaff, was an excellent performance from them both. Anyinsah put in a good shift upfront, always looks a handful and Ecclestone's goal really was the icing on the cake, showed great technique and finish, haven't seen a goal like that in a while! Just a shame the crowd wasn't up for it to make Powells return a memorable one. Pleased overall and welcome back Chris.
To summarise, great atmosphere, enjoyed the result, but not the way we played. Should acknowledge the goals from two youngsters, both using their speed to make the difference. If we want to be promoted this year, our transfer activity this week will be crucial. It should also give an indication of the intentions of the new owners, if the real money was there on Saturday to taste the buzz in the Stadium and fully understand the potential, it should help enormously.
A probable reason for not resorting to hoofing was because we were winning after 55 minutes. It's always easier to play measured football if you aren't chasing the game. We used a very conservative formation (no wingers) to try to keep a clean sheet and Wagstaff was possibly allowed to play higher up because we were at home. It'll be interesting to see if he plays that far forward away from home.
Rome was not built in a day. These players have been drilled to hoofing the long ball, it will take time and Patience for them to look for the pass instinctively and for players to find a position to receive the pass. It took Mr Poyet a few weeks to get Brighton to play that way.
Positives:- we won, we played passing football on the floor, clean sheet, defence pushed up a bit, we won by our biggest margin at home this season, welcome home Chris.
Negatives:- 4-4-1-1 (was never 4-4-2) at home is not the way forward, Francis Fry, Mac and JJ were never going to give us any width, the defence is still pedestrian.
Thought both refs were a decent standard unlike some we’ve seen. I liked it when he wrongly gave a corner and got abuse, rather than getting wound up, he gave us a foul for one of their players giving ours a dirty look.
[cite]Posted By: harveys gardener[/cite]Negatives:- 4-4-1-1 (was never 4-4-2) at home is not the way forward, Francis Fry, Mac and JJ were never going to give us any width, the defence is still pedestrian.
Interestingly Curbs generally kept it quite narrow. It did look compact on Saturday to the point of cluttered in the first half. Agree that the defence is still pedestrian - when CP ordered the whole team to celebrate the first goal, Docherty gave a look as if to say that's the last thing my legs need.
But a big improvement on the last 2 home games and the style of football is encouraging.
[cite]Posted By: harveys gardener[/cite]Positives:- we won, we played passing football on the floor, clean sheet, defence pushed up a bit, we won by our biggest margin at home this season, welcome home Chris.
Negatives:- 4-4-1-1 (was never 4-4-2) at home is not the way forward, Francis Fry, Mac and JJ were never going to give us any width, the defence is still pedestrian.
Thought both refs were a decent standard unlike some we’ve seen. I liked it when he wrongly gave a corner and got abuse, rather than getting wound up, he gave us a foul for one of their players giving ours a dirty look.
Yeah, good summary. The ref corner decision was great, he blew for the 'dirty look' almost BEFORE the corner was kicked...a laugh.
It struck me on a few occasions that the team look way more threatening when Dailly forgot where he was playing and went on one of his foraging Baresi dribbles upfield.
Our midfield dont do this. Perhaps we should swap him and Semedo around, and make CD play carrying an oxygen tank to keep him going.
same old performance at home really - lack of playmaking in midfield the usual problem - no change there but can't expect Chris to make a silk purse out of a .. over night. 10 out of 10 for CP and they way he knows how to work the crowd - really hope he does well and certainly more of a feel good factor. Looked like we tried to play more football but reverted to humping it at times as midfield weren't always showing for the ball and struggle to do anything with it. Ecclestone was a big bonus although we have to temper that as last 10 mins and tired legs etc but did look quick and confident. All in all - moving in the right direction - if CP brings in a pacey centre back and a playmaker in midfield to add to Bradley WP then we will havea good chance.
Haven't read the full thread so apologies if this has already been overdone.
Encouraged by Semedo being deployed further upfield at times. Really no need for him to play as a fifth defender during home games we're expected to win.
Understand the regular postings asking for a more creative midfielder. Could that be Jacko with someone quicker outside? He certainly concedes possession less than many of his colleagues and appears able to find time to choose the right pass more often than not. Might not be Hoddle but not sure how many genuine ball-players are available who'd still be ready to put in a shift.
McCormack obviously not a natural wide player but was industrious on Saturday. Perhaps more of an away option where playing two wingers can be a little risky. That said, Parky's away record was pretty good and he often did it. Curbs often successfully tucked Stuart and Co. inside on at least one wing, which could be frustrating but frequently paid dividends. Guess it's horses for courses but "Oxo" prob has a role to play, just not really fair to expect him to skin a full-back before delivering the perfect cross.
Great to get a clean sheet again, on which we can build and get gradually more progressive with what looks a far more potent strikeforce. Think over all Fry's done really well with us and will be sorry to see him go back when the time comes.
If it wasn't a barn-storming performance it was just what the doctor ordered; a win with a clean sheet without raising expectations to silly levels. More please...
Comments
it was not a rocking valley it was not a full on attack attack attack but it was genniunely different.
i cant stick my finger on it it can be the CP affect but i think there was more than that, i think cp had the stature, the pressence the calmness annd considered approach that could mark him out to be a very intellectual and fantastic mgr[/quote]
It had that sound and fell on the commentary, previously the tension was there and you could feel it where as this had more a quiet , calm , waiting ... as opposed to a tense anticipation and if that didnt come the crowd would turn against the team...
Long may it continue...
Didnt like (and never have) a 5 man midfield at home. Seemed to me we were set up not to loose.
Thought there would be more of a buzz about the place,but it seemed so flat.
CP has to look at what he has and with no reserve team games thats difficult. There is less and less time to get results in the modern game.
A wn is a win and happy for the points.
Agreed. Waggy was no more part of a ''five man field'' than, say, Rooney is when he's playing with Berbatov...
CP will now have a better idea of our strengths/weaknesses and can start to make some tweaks here and there.
I thought there was a bit more unity evident yesterday from the players which was pleasing and clearly more coaching from the sidelines, one of PP's biggest criticisms.
However, we were patient, kept things simple, gave and go and tried to work openings rather than try to force them. We had the better chances and overall, we deserved the win. Plymouth had a ten minute spell at the start of the second half, but in general we stopped them playing.
I thought McCormack did very well, considering he was out of position and playing football really does help when Racon plays as he did, because he makes more space for himself than any other player on the pitch with his touch.
The change is style and free flowing football from it is not going to happen overnight. I am glad we tried to play our way to a win and Wagstaff's goal shows what real hard work can do - pressure, don't give up, chase everything down. Abbott was disappointing when he came on - for a big lump he doesn't jump.
Ecclestone's pace will help us stretch teams and at this level him and Ansiyah could cause all sorts of problems.
Nothing wrong with setting yourselves up not to lose - especially if you can have the majority of shots on goal, chances and actual goals scored. I would take 5 wins on the bounce from the new manager - confidence will come back and the team will be difficult to stop then.
Remember, until today we'd won 1 game in 10 (I think?) - so confidence takes a while to get back.
I also had a nice tidy amount on draw half time, Charlton win. A good day all round!
All of this, especially pertaining to Eccleston's goal. Very well taken. Waggy's goal was great as well, that's why you don't stop running for the ball.
First half quite disappointing and a bit of work to do still, but obvious that we CAN DO.
Thought they came to contain us and were doing it with ease.
Having got to half time with nairy a threat to their goalmoth, they came out second half and were gradually starting to boss the game.
They then gifted us a goal, and as Reidy said "goals change games".
I also think, had Parky been in charge there would have been booing after 20 mins; at which point the team would have lost belief and resorted to the hoofing game we know and hate
I think the outporing of goodwill and latitude shown by the fans gave the players the confidence to persist with the game plan.
I liked the way we tried a more patient passing game; and I liked the movement and running of Waggy, Anyinsah and Eccles up front.
Generally think Powelly got a perfect example the best and the worst of us during yesterdays game and in the long run that will be of more benefit to him than if the players had given Plymouth an inspired and out of chracter mauling.
For what it's worth I'm glad Parky's gone and I'm glad Chris is in and I think yesterday was a little progress to build on.
Goals help and I enjoyed both ours yesterday and yes I did walk away from the Valley with a smile and warm glow for the first time in ages.
Having said that there were positives. As others have said, the team showed more composure and didn't resort to long balls when they didn't get the early breakthrough. The subs were attacking and meant that we didn't spend the last ten minutes penned in. Hopefully cp can get some decent signings in to complement a team that has a decent spine.
Second half was a better game of football, with Plymouth putting us under a bit of pressure and we finding a bit more space as a consequence. Thought Fletchers shot was in when it hit the top of the net. Waggys goal was fortunate, but he deserved something for the amount of running he put in during the match & Ecclestone looked lively & took he goal well.
Clean sheet was nice, but the back line is going to come up against much sterner tests than Plymouth in the weeks to come. If we are going to play possession football with Anyinsah and Waggy up front then we need someone in the centre of the park that can thread a pass in order to take advantage of their pace & quick feet.
Second half tells me that charlton are turning it around and there's still a few days to sign a couple - would love to see more options in midfield as I think we have got what it takes up front
playing style? Don't give a monkeys as the aim has to be escaping from league 1... Look at Norwich and Leeds we can worry about style in the summer. Genuinely think we can win play-offs now but will only make top 2 if others trip up
A very good start, 3 points, a clean sheet and an indication that Eccleston will be an asset if we can get the ball to him in the right areas. Delivery at Set Plays was poor (Francis, Reid & Jackson) and there were too many pretty tippy-tappy 10 yard passes in front of the opposition which allowed them to sit comfortably behind the ball. But apart from that very encouraging.
Enjoyed it yesterday - despite there still being some moans and groans round about us in NU. Was worried at times in the first half that SCP must have been wondering what he had let himself in for - so different from his playing days in terms of size of crowd and atmosphere. Fortunately it all came together in the second half, so we left happy.
Things remain fragile, but I loved reading the post match comments - Chris' calming influence and strong belief can and must make a difference.
Give me a few games i'll comment on how Powelly is progressing, but now, he's learning his team and any gaps he'll fill with loans.. and seemed to bring on Ecclestone at the right time, aswell as Abbott who helped greatly in the goal!
Elliot didn't need to do much, and after seeing Plymouths goals against Dons it's lucky he didn't, as it'd be picking it out his net.
If we want to be promoted this year, our transfer activity this week will be crucial. It should also give an indication of the intentions of the new owners, if the real money was there on Saturday to taste the buzz in the Stadium and fully understand the potential, it should help enormously.
It took Mr Poyet a few weeks to get Brighton to play that way.
Give CP time.
Negatives:- 4-4-1-1 (was never 4-4-2) at home is not the way forward, Francis Fry, Mac and JJ were never going to give us any width, the defence is still pedestrian.
Thought both refs were a decent standard unlike some we’ve seen. I liked it when he wrongly gave a corner and got abuse, rather than getting wound up, he gave us a foul for one of their players giving ours a dirty look.
Interestingly Curbs generally kept it quite narrow. It did look compact on Saturday to the point of cluttered in the first half. Agree that the defence is still pedestrian - when CP ordered the whole team to celebrate the first goal, Docherty gave a look as if to say that's the last thing my legs need.
But a big improvement on the last 2 home games and the style of football is encouraging.
Yeah, good summary. The ref corner decision was great, he blew for the 'dirty look' almost BEFORE the corner was kicked...a laugh.
But, the dead ball situation re free kicks is a bit of a waste.
Everyone looked over hit and the keeper, just collected the ball out of the air!.
That needs a lot of sorting if our usual free kickers are not on the pitch!......
The best thing were the goals!...... and how well they were taken.
Good to see the young players making an impact, and Waggy's pace caused them a real issue, both before and after the goal.......
Hope that Eccelston is givern some opportunity to develop, could be a big bonus for us!
Still feel we need to strenghten the team........
Our midfield dont do this. Perhaps we should swap him and Semedo around, and make CD play carrying an oxygen tank to keep him going.
Love his attitude so much.
its like he has enough and drives us forward...
Encouraged by Semedo being deployed further upfield at times. Really no need for him to play as a fifth defender during home games we're expected to win.
Understand the regular postings asking for a more creative midfielder. Could that be Jacko with someone quicker outside? He certainly concedes possession less than many of his colleagues and appears able to find time to choose the right pass more often than not. Might not be Hoddle but not sure how many genuine ball-players are available who'd still be ready to put in a shift.
McCormack obviously not a natural wide player but was industrious on Saturday. Perhaps more of an away option where playing two wingers can be a little risky. That said, Parky's away record was pretty good and he often did it. Curbs often successfully tucked Stuart and Co. inside on at least one wing, which could be frustrating but frequently paid dividends. Guess it's horses for courses but "Oxo" prob has a role to play, just not really fair to expect him to skin a full-back before delivering the perfect cross.
Great to get a clean sheet again, on which we can build and get gradually more progressive with what looks a far more potent strikeforce. Think over all Fry's done really well with us and will be sorry to see him go back when the time comes.
If it wasn't a barn-storming performance it was just what the doctor ordered; a win with a clean sheet without raising expectations to silly levels. More please...