Can only agree with the comments re the loanees - very good selection again by Gallen and Bowyer. Espeically impressed by Gallagher,Leko and of course, Cullen, but we obviously knew all about him anyway. Also impressed by Lockyer, had one dodgy moment with the under-hit pass, but looks composed on the ball, and will defend for his life.Can see him being another big-money sale in a future transfer window. Leko looks like an interesting signing, a player that seems to be able to go past players easily and with pace - could be a very good option from the bench for tiring defences.
Thought Stoke were unlucky yesterday - first half they could easily have been 2 goals better than us, and dominated the half, especially in the latter part of it, where we looked a bit like we were like a boxer hanging on for the bell.THey played a very different style to the game other people have mentioned in our first season after relegation - they were very Wimbledon-esque then. Then first 10 minutes of second it was the same, with Stoke creating unconverted chances - but after that, we looked the better team, with Gallagher and Cullen starting to get a grip of the midfield.Two very similar goals in that both were cut backs from near post to the penalty spot - firstly Williams then Lyle. People are saying that Butland made a mistake for the first goal, but the ball had a wicked last second dip on it, and was travelling at some speed.
Someone asked how Pratley could be a better player in Tier 2 than 3? - Is it because the play in this div is generally closer to him? ie. better teams playing further up the field than most teams would against us in L3?
The Covered End looked full, and looked rocking on Valley Pass, really looking forward to being there v Brentford, which will likely be my last live game for quite some time as I am moving away from Europe - lets hope we are still in Top 2 at that point !
The days of ‘typical Charlton’ are perhaps becoming a thing of the past under Bowyer. We snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat rather than the other way round, we make attack minded substitutions when one up, we get stronger as games go on. We normally quiver at the prospect of playing the likes of Millwall, but somehow I don’t think Bowyer will allow that sort of negativity to enter the equation, and that rubs off on supporters. Great to see the envy for our position on the Sunderland forum. Speaks volumes.
Obviously it's very early to say, but what feels different about now and our other good starts in the Championship under Roland is we seem to have a bit more squad depth (which would look much better with Hemed and an RB to come still)
We had a first team capable of competing top half in those years, but an injury to Gudmundsson or Vetokele absolutely killed us because we were so reliant on them which feels a bit different now, particularly in the midfield where we seem to have quite a lot of options. It is just the reliance on Lyle we currently have now but hopefully Hemed will come in this week...
Cullen... class, Gallagher.....class, Williams....class....Taylor...class....the list goes on. Very impressed with all the players out on the pitch yesterday. And the best thing of all, is that it can only get better once all the new players bed in. Optimistic? Yes, but what's wrong with that
Great win, but I can see what people are saying about playing around the back. Big let off for Pearce when they hit the post. Don’t think it was a mistake per se but think Phillips could have done better with the goal. But did the wind play a part? It definitely wasn’t as bad as Butland for Taylor’s anyway. Highlights showed a happy Williams, really hope the bloke stays fit. Not just because he is a good player but his loyalty deserves some karma.
Top 2 is dreamland. I don’t think we should get carried away. I have been saying for sometime Bowyers teams will be hard to beat.
Need a RB and another attacking option if Hemed doesn’t go through.
I still think Aneke or Leko alongside Lyle might work well in the absence of Hemed. We have a strong enough midfield selection to allow that I think?
Great day out, Brentford tickets already purchased. Moved to right at the back of the NU by the drummer and I think ive found my new home. Im 36 and feel like an old man in that crowd, its a great sign for the future and our fan bases age becoming lower yet again.
How do you think I feel? I'm 62 ffs.
A fine age! btw when did Charlton raise the senior concession age to 65 from 63? 😡
They raised it from 60 to 65 about 4 years ago. I was 59 at the time and was looking forward to a discounted season ticket.
Oh well 63 now and hopefully get it in a couple of years assuming they don't raise it again.
Great win, but I can see what people are saying about playing around the back. Big let off for Pearce when they hit the post. Don’t think it was a mistake per se but think Phillips could have done better with the goal. But did the wind play a part? It definitely wasn’t as bad as Butland for Taylor’s anyway. Highlights showed a happy Williams, really hope the bloke stays fit. Not just because he is a good player but his loyalty deserves some karma.
Top 2 is dreamland. I don’t think we should get carried away. I have been saying for sometime Bowyers teams will be hard to beat.
Need a RB and another attacking option if Hemed doesn’t go through.
I still think Aneke or Leko alongside Lyle might work well in the absence of Hemed. We have a strong enough midfield selection to allow that I think?
Possibly, we could go with a diamond of Cullen, any 2 from Field, Gallagher and Kayal behind Williams with Aneke and Taylor up top. And that still leaves Leko not playing. Definitely need another attacking option if Hemed doesn't go through though.
The days of ‘typical Charlton’ are perhaps becoming a thing of the past under Bowyer. We snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat rather than the other way round, we make attack minded substitutions when one up, we get stronger as games go on. We normally quiver at the prospect of playing the likes of Millwall, but somehow I don’t think Bowyer will allow that sort of negativity to enter the equation, and that rubs off on supporters. Great to see the envy for our position on the Sunderland forum. Speaks volumes.
It's not surprising the Sunderland fans are angry and jealous really, there's a massive contrast between Bowyer and Ross. Bowyer wants us to play attacking football and win matches, whereas Ross is the king of turgid 1-1 draws.
Can I just...twice in five minutes we set up a goal with a backheel flick. We are the best team in southern England
Not sure Williams is claiming the Aneke assist with a backheel flick!
That was Karma. Remember last season at the Jimmy Seed end when the Kentish Welshman passed to Cullen who must score until Igor blocked the ball on the line !
you know what. i think williams meant that flick. class
No chance, he was trying to score and flick it with his left. He missed and it hit his right and fell at the feet of Aneke. Bit of luck but Williams was due some.
you know what. i think williams meant that flick. class
No chance, he was trying to score and flick it with his left. He missed and it hit his right and fell at the feet of Aneke. Bit of luck but Williams was due some.
Much to enjoy about that match. Very competitive game, aided by a ref letting it flow. Two famous old clubs trying to win and playing at a frenetic pace. What the Championship is all about.
Make no mistake, Stoke looked the better side for a couple of significant spells and could’ve been 3 or 4-1 up themselves. However, it came down to who took their chances and, for a change, it was the newly promoted side handing out the tough lesson.
The pros: All the new signings made good contributions and there was no sign of anyone failing to buy into the Bowyer work ethic. Leko looked a real handful and much better than the reviews of the West Brom fans. Gallagher grew into the game and looked a class act by the end. Cullen slotted in like he never left. Johnny Williams’ best game for us. Thought he was brilliant today.
The Cons: The defence was definitely creaking at times. We looked particularly vulnerable on the turnover because we lack recovery pace across the back four and in the defensive midfield positions. Played ourselves into trouble a lot with to many passes across the defence, a number of which were under hit.
6 from 6 though... a start none if us expected. 12% of the safety target achieved.
New players still to bed in and the squad as a whole will adapt better to the pace of the Championship in the coming weeks. Bodes well.
Good post agree re pace in the defence....seriously lacking.
Agree JW's looks like a mishit. Taylor, on the other hand, scored one with a backheel last week and assisted one this week. I'm claiming the credit after he accepted my Twitter challenge last season! My latest challenge to him is an overhead kick. I bet he is practising already.
Agree JW's looks like a mishit. Taylor, on the other hand, scored one with a backheel last week and assisted one this week. I'm claiming the credit after he accepted my Twitter challenge last season! My latest challenge to him is an overhead kick. I bet he is practising already.
credit to Bowyer, Jackson and co for the work rate and the fitness of this side. It's what will keep us away from relegation. theres going to be times in the future where we will be losing the game but i cant see us ever accepting it till the final whistle. teams are really going to have to put away their chances and be at their best to keep us down.
We were very good! Impressed with a number of the new players. I spent mist of yesterday flipping between "Williams/ Cullen/ keeping Lyle/ Gallagher was the best bit of business we did. And we haven't even seen Kayak and Field (and hopefully Hemed) yet.
Starred in what seemed like a 4231 with Pratley and Cullen in the 2. Williams left, Leko right and Gallagher down the middle. It worked fairly well. Leko has pace and scares defenders, I'm confident Bowyers coaching and playing alongside Taylor will get the best out of him. If we are gonna play that formation regularly I would sign Harriott just to give us a back up option out wide.
Word for Pratley he kept Joe Allen quiet all game. I didn't even notice he was on the pitch until his strop at the ref. I've been critical of Pratley in the past but he is gonna be a big player for us this year.
Cullen was exceptional. Did well dropping in and covering fullbacks and when we switched to the diamond in the second half he showed what he is capable of going forward. Genuine class player but we've come to expect it from him.
They started the game strongly but by 10 mins in we had grown into it. Taylor's goal was very well worked but Butland should have done better with it. Their goal can after a period when the game had got a bit scrappy. Seemed their players heads had gone, they were getting frustrated and Allen had his strip at the ref. We had to stay calm and keep doing the same but instead we got drawn into it a little bit. Tried to do too much and lost the ball in a dangerous area. Lockyer should probably have done better.
Second half we were the better side. They had plenty of the ball but didn't really threaten too much. Both goals were very well worked. Special moment for Gallagher getting his first senior goal infront of the covered end.
I like the look of Lockyer class and very composed on the ball, not the tallest but gets up well so dont think we have to be worried about him getting beaten in the air.
Williams - too good. Keep him fit for 40 games and we may well do something special this season.
Taylor his usual self. Incredible.
Gallagher was everywhere. So technical and deserved his goal. My MOTM. Imagine being that good at football that young and that good looking as well. Kids got everything!
Aneke looked gpod when he came on even though the game had started to break down a bit after his goal. I can see why Bow wants to play him as a 10 but I would be more than happy with him up front. He's a unit as well so helpful in both boxes. Even if Taylor gets injured and we don't get Hemed (fingers crossed) I wouldn't be worried about Aneke leading the line either alone or with Leko.
Momentum and good feeling in this league are so key. If we can keep this up for a while then anything is possible. Playoffs anyone?
All great comments, and the one thing I would say is that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with getting carried away or believing under Bowyer, despite the fact it’s only 2 games. Is this going to be hard season, yes. Are we still likely to finish in the bottom half versus the top half, maybe. However, we’re right to just soak all this in and I’m delighted we’ve seemingly picked up where we left off.
The Championship is a funny league. It may even be funny enough for us to make a bid for the play offs......who knows
Phillips: very little to do, got to put the short goal kick balls to bed proper stupid Solly: solid Lockyer: alright in the air but his passing is awful, real danger , one lead to goal Pearce: combative authoritative Purrington: excellent Cullen: tremendous Pratley: tremendous Gallagher: fearless, skilful, drifted out for periods, good for so young Williams: what an engine, real class Leko: promising, strong, not always in control, looks a good signing Taylor: excellent Referee: let too much go, got both dives/edge of area trips wrong - no foul = dive = booking, did neither, chickened out, also flat ignored the all studs assault on JW early on, saw it as a foul nothing more not even a talking to. I was 10 yards from it, it was a ‘doing’ plain as, proper nasty
Phillips: very little to do, got to put the short goal kick balls to bed proper stupid Solly: solid Lockyer: alright in the air but his passing is awful, real danger , one lead to goal Pearce: combative authoritative Purrington: excellent Cullen: tremendous Pratley: tremendous Gallagher: fearless, skilful, drifted out for periods, good for so young Williams: what an engine, real class Leko: promising, strong, not always in control, looks a good signing Taylor: excellent Referee: let too much go, got both dives/edge of area trips wrong - no foul = dive = booking, did neither, chickened out, also flat ignored the all studs assault on JW early on, saw it as a foul nothing more not even a talking to. I was 10 yards from it, it was a ‘doing’ plain as, proper nasty
Actually you have got that the wrong way round. You say he is alright in the air but awful passing. But it was getting beat in the air that led to the goal. Yes he was lucky but the pass didn't lead to a goal, they hit the post.
We were very good! Impressed with a number of the new players. I spent mist of yesterday flipping between "Williams/ Cullen/ keeping Lyle/ Gallagher was the best bit of business we did. And we haven't even seen Kayak and Field (and hopefully Hemed) yet.
Starred in what seemed like a 4231 with Pratley and Cullen in the 2. Williams left, Leko right and Gallagher down the middle. It worked fairly well. Leko has pace and scares defenders, I'm confident Bowyers coaching and playing alongside Taylor will get the best out of him. If we are gonna play that formation regularly I would sign Harriott just to give us a back up option out wide.
Word for Pratley he kept Joe Allen quiet all game. I didn't even notice he was on the pitch until his strop at the ref. I've been critical of Pratley in the past but he is gonna be a big player for us this year.
Cullen was exceptional. Did well dropping in and covering fullbacks and when we switched to the diamond in the second half he showed what he is capable of going forward. Genuine class player but we've come to expect it from him.
They started the game strongly but by 10 mins in we had grown into it. Taylor's goal was very well worked but Butland should have done better with it. Their goal can after a period when the game had got a bit scrappy. Seemed their players heads had gone, they were getting frustrated and Allen had his strip at the ref. We had to stay calm and keep doing the same but instead we got drawn into it a little bit. Tried to do too much and lost the ball in a dangerous area. Lockyer should probably have done better.
Second half we were the better side. They had plenty of the ball but didn't really threaten too much. Both goals were very well worked. Special moment for Gallagher getting his first senior goal infront of the covered end.
I like the look of Lockyer class and very composed on the ball, not the tallest but gets up well so dont think we have to be worried about him getting beaten in the air.
Williams - too good. Keep him fit for 40 games and we may well do something special this season.
Taylor his usual self. Incredible.
Gallagher was everywhere. So technical and deserved his goal. My MOTM. Imagine being that good at football that young and that good looking as well. Kids got everything!
Aneke looked gpod when he came on even though the game had started to break down a bit after his goal. I can see why Bow wants to play him as a 10 but I would be more than happy with him up front. He's a unit as well so helpful in both boxes. Even if Taylor gets injured and we don't get Hemed (fingers crossed) I wouldn't be worried about Aneke leading the line either alone or with Leko.
Momentum and good feeling in this league are so key. If we can keep this up for a while then anything is possible. Playoffs anyone?
disagree with this, was hugely at fault for there goal, cos he got beaten in the air
An intresting point, well I thought it was intresting, we haven't brought any free agents in late in this window.
Everybody has had a preseason, either here or at their other clubs. There are no Pratley or Reeves who joined unfit.
Even if we bring 1 or 2 in now we don't have to throw them in to make up the numbers.
Not quite true, Kayal has come with a slight injury and Field isn't fit.
But we can give them time, we don't need them to make up the numbers. Pratley, for example, was thrown straight in, without any sort of preseason. Now they can train, maybe play 1 or 2 u23 games before they even need to be on the bench.
Comments
Leko looks like an interesting signing, a player that seems to be able to go past players easily and with pace - could be a very good option from the bench for tiring defences.
Thought Stoke were unlucky yesterday - first half they could easily have been 2 goals better than us, and dominated the half, especially in the latter part of it, where we looked a bit like we were like a boxer hanging on for the bell.THey played a very different style to the game other people have mentioned in our first season after relegation - they were very Wimbledon-esque then. Then first 10 minutes of second it was the same, with Stoke creating unconverted chances - but after that, we looked the better team, with Gallagher and Cullen starting to get a grip of the midfield.Two very similar goals in that both were cut backs from near post to the penalty spot - firstly Williams then Lyle.
People are saying that Butland made a mistake for the first goal, but the ball had a wicked last second dip on it, and was travelling at some speed.
Someone asked how Pratley could be a better player in Tier 2 than 3? - Is it because the play in this div is generally closer to him? ie. better teams playing further up the field than most teams would against us in L3?
The Covered End looked full, and looked rocking on Valley Pass, really looking forward to being there v Brentford, which will likely be my last live game for quite some time as I am moving away from Europe - lets hope we are still in Top 2 at that point !
We normally quiver at the prospect of playing the likes of Millwall, but somehow I don’t think Bowyer will allow that sort of negativity to enter the equation, and that rubs off on supporters.
Great to see the envy for our position on the Sunderland forum. Speaks volumes.
We had a first team capable of competing top half in those years, but an injury to Gudmundsson or Vetokele absolutely killed us because we were so reliant on them which feels a bit different now, particularly in the midfield where we seem to have quite a lot of options. It is just the reliance on Lyle we currently have now but hopefully Hemed will come in this week...
Is that the first time since 1921 when we have a 100% scoring record from corners.
Or in yesterday's match, Corner !
Oh well 63 now and hopefully get it in a couple of years assuming they don't raise it again.
Remember last season at the Jimmy Seed end when the Kentish Welshman passed to Cullen who must score until Igor blocked the ball on the line !
theres going to be times in the future where we will be losing the game but i cant see us ever accepting it till the final whistle. teams are really going to have to put away their chances and be at their best to keep us down.
You make your own luck...
We were very good! Impressed with a number of the new players. I spent mist of yesterday flipping between "Williams/ Cullen/ keeping Lyle/ Gallagher was the best bit of business we did. And we haven't even seen Kayak and Field (and hopefully Hemed) yet.
Starred in what seemed like a 4231 with Pratley and Cullen in the 2. Williams left, Leko right and Gallagher down the middle. It worked fairly well. Leko has pace and scares defenders, I'm confident Bowyers coaching and playing alongside Taylor will get the best out of him. If we are gonna play that formation regularly I would sign Harriott just to give us a back up option out wide.
Word for Pratley he kept Joe Allen quiet all game. I didn't even notice he was on the pitch until his strop at the ref. I've been critical of Pratley in the past but he is gonna be a big player for us this year.
Cullen was exceptional. Did well dropping in and covering fullbacks and when we switched to the diamond in the second half he showed what he is capable of going forward. Genuine class player but we've come to expect it from him.
They started the game strongly but by 10 mins in we had grown into it. Taylor's goal was very well worked but Butland should have done better with it. Their goal can after a period when the game had got a bit scrappy. Seemed their players heads had gone, they were getting frustrated and Allen had his strip at the ref. We had to stay calm and keep doing the same but instead we got drawn into it a little bit. Tried to do too much and lost the ball in a dangerous area. Lockyer should probably have done better.
Second half we were the better side. They had plenty of the ball but didn't really threaten too much. Both goals were very well worked. Special moment for Gallagher getting his first senior goal infront of the covered end.
I like the look of Lockyer class and very composed on the ball, not the tallest but gets up well so dont think we have to be worried about him getting beaten in the air.
Williams - too good. Keep him fit for 40 games and we may well do something special this season.
Taylor his usual self. Incredible.
Gallagher was everywhere. So technical and deserved his goal. My MOTM.
Imagine being that good at football that young and that good looking as well. Kids got everything!
Aneke looked gpod when he came on even though the game had started to break down a bit after his goal. I can see why Bow wants to play him as a 10 but I would be more than happy with him up front. He's a unit as well so helpful in both boxes. Even if Taylor gets injured and we don't get Hemed (fingers crossed) I wouldn't be worried about Aneke leading the line either alone or with Leko.
Momentum and good feeling in this league are so key. If we can keep this up for a while then anything is possible. Playoffs anyone?
The Championship is a funny league. It may even be funny enough for us to make a bid for the play offs......who knows
Solly: solid
Lockyer: alright in the air but his passing is awful, real danger , one lead to goal
Pearce: combative authoritative
Purrington: excellent
Cullen: tremendous
Pratley: tremendous
Gallagher: fearless, skilful, drifted out for periods, good for so young
Williams: what an engine, real class
Leko: promising, strong, not always in control, looks a good signing
Taylor: excellent
Referee: let too much go, got both dives/edge of area trips wrong - no foul = dive = booking, did neither, chickened out, also flat ignored the all studs assault on JW early on, saw it as a foul nothing more not even a talking to. I was 10 yards from it, it was a ‘doing’ plain as, proper nasty
Everybody has had a preseason, either here or at their other clubs. There are no Pratley or Reeves who joined unfit.
Even if we bring 1 or 2 in now we don't have to throw them in to make up the numbers.