Enjoyed that and well worth the five quid for the stream. We battled and fought but let's face it Leeds were a different class until they reached our penalty area. Lucky for us that Bamford looks like a total ponce and they kept Nketiah off until later in the game. I don't remember us having any shots on goal, not even for the goal.
I know I should just celebrate a great win but I still worry we don't create much and that Leko is great at receiving the ball and turning his man but rarely offers any end product.
Enjoyed that and well worth the five quid for the stream. We battled and fought but let's face it Leeds were a different class until they reached our penalty area. Lucky for us that Bamford looks like a total ponce and they kept Nketiah off until later in the game. I don't remember us having any shots on goal, not even for the goal.
I know I should just celebrate a great win but I still worry we don't create much and that Leko is great at receiving the ball and turning his man but rarely offers any end product.
Solly was immense.
They were different class in that they played a high tempo game that cut out the close proximity football skills; whereas Charlton’s squad is jam packed with players with those skills in abundance and who like to mix it and challenge for the ball. The stats show Leeds had the greater possession by virtue of the fact that the ball was in flight from one of their players to another one of their players but I would hazard a guess that our players probably matched them on time when the ball was actually touching the feet of a player of each side. Yesterday, I thought Leeds were a much fitter team and that was their advantage but obviously the fittest team on the pitch was Charlton because they dealt with it and chased the ball down over 96 minutes of play.
A brilliant defensive display won us those 3 points. Kept concentration, determination, intensity. Being a bit picky, you can see that Naby still has a mistake or three in him, and Ben Purrington was caught out of position a bit, but overall every defender (with Dillon Phillips, Darren Pratley and Sam Field included in this context) can be proud of what they did yesterday.
Leeds were a very talented team and they came out of the blocks so fast they could have been two up in the first ten minutes. A lesser Charlton side, and we've seen many, would have folded. But we came back into it well and subdued them until the last 15 minutes or so. Instrumental in this were Jonny Williams, Josh Cullen and, especially, Conor Gallagher. I thought Bielik and Cullen were top notch for us last season but Conor is even better. He is surely destined to be a Premier League player in the near future - just wish it was with us.
Jon Leko ran his heart out, and did a lot of top defensive work too. He makes space so cleverly and gives opposition defences real headaches. Its such a shame that his decision making and composure near the penalty box aren't there yet.
First time I've seen Macauley Bonne. He reminded me a lot of Steve Jones, lots of running and showed for the ball to give us an outlet. He clearly lacks that burst of acceleration that the better strikers have in order to get that yard of space in the box, and he doesn't have the technique of Lyle Taylor, but he did ok.
Brilliant atmosphere added to a very enjoyable afternoon. Great to bump into the lovely @Fanny Fanackapan and family too.
How did we end up with three yellows and they only got one?
Unbelievable Jeff.
Can anyone explain why the ref didn't send off Bamford for that blatant kick at Conor? It looked so obviously a sending off.
Ref bottled it. Bamford made no attempt to play the ball, it was just a frustrated lash at Gallagher and he should have gone. Gallagher probably did him a favour by not rolling around for 5 Minutes. PS Bamford is shit. If they had Lyle they would be out of sight
Bamford is overrated and not good enough for a side that has serious ambitions of winning the championship. One good season at Middlesbrough a few years ago and average in every other.
Obviously i don't watch Leeds much, but Nketiah must be shocking in training if he doesn't get a start ahead of him.
great result today. My only concern is that we only had 25 per cent possession , at home, when effectively we have a premiership quality midfield, Cullen (West Ham), Gallagher (Chelsea),Williams (Palace),Pratley (various prem teams?).
We do not have a premiership quality midfield... If any of these players were prem quality, they would be playing there already....
OK, replace quality with pedigree. Its much easier to score goals when you have the ball than when you havnt.
Nothing to add to the many justified superlatives already posted,but my big plus of the day was Solly,many doubted this mans ability to step up to this level,I personally never did,this guy is Charlton through and through,nothing got past him yesterday,no one skinned him on the outside,he supported when he could and was my MOM.A few years ago,it was torture coming to the Valley,now I just cant wait for the next game.
How did we end up with three yellows and they only got one?
Unbelievable Jeff.
Can anyone explain why the ref didn't send off Bamford for that blatant kick at Conor? It looked so obviously a sending off.
Ref bottled it. Bamford made no attempt to play the ball, it was just a frustrated lash at Gallagher and he should have gone. Gallagher probably did him a favour by not rolling around for 5 Minutes. PS Bamford is shit. If they had Lyle they would be out of sight
Exactly this. As the game wore on the ref seemed determined to give Leeds any advantage to beat plucky little Charlton. He bottled sending Bamford off,no doubt. Their 43 and 23 should've both been booked in the 1st 20 minutes for persistent fouling. That aside,a fantastic result,a real team effort. Gallagher MOTM but a special mention for Pratley, especially the 1st half,so disciplined in breaking up the Leeds attacks. Lockyer,what a steal he was, thought we'd have real problems replacing Bauer but wow,love the guy. Roll on Wednesday.
Another thing. Wtf was the ref's problem with Phillips? It was like he wanted to jump on "time-wasting" before Phillips had even given it a second thought.
Anybody else amused by the animated gestures and arm waving from Bielsa and no less than 3 of his staff in the technical area. Like some veterans boy band. It amused me to believe they were all shouting contradictory instructions. Who did the players listen to?
A tremendously committed, disciplined and gutsy performance from our lads and the perfect antidote to the last two defeats. I’m sure that no Charlton supporter will have left The Valley without a feeling of great pride in the team after such a prodigious effort. A tactically smart game plan and a case of every man Jack.
Leeds had us on the back foot early on with their slick passing and movement but, save for a few squeaks at the end, they came as close to a goal in those first few minutes as they did in the entire game. Once we got our noses in front, we got a foothold in the match, with Darren Pratley slipping expertly in and out of the back five and our players competing effectively all over the field. The fact that Bielsa introduced two substitutes at half time speaks for itself.
Our defending was excellent, with countless blocks, headers and clearances and their runners were diligently tracked by our team as a whole. Lockyer has another fine game and he and Naby completely subdued the ineffective and petulant Bamford, who was hooked halfway through the second half. Nor did the introduction of Nketiah at half time make any impression on our solidity. I also lost count of the number of clearances made by Chris Solly in the second half, especially at the far post from a series of dangerous right wing crosses. I loved his thundering tackle in front of the East Stand in the second half and this was a game where Chris drew on all his class, experience and nous to help get us over the line.
Our midfielders worked prodigiously hard to contain Leeds and, up front, I thought that both Leko and Macauley Bonne did well. The goal will do Macauley the world of good and I liked his pace and movement. Leko demonstrated his ability to turn defenders and burn them off with his pace, although he made a mess of one good opportunity on the break when they were desperately short handed at the back. He doesn’t function as well when he has too much time to think, although as Lee has emphasised, if he was closer to the finished product, West Brom wouldn’t have let him out on loan.
After that humongous collective effort, it feels invidious to single out an individual for Man of the Match but I thought that Connor Gallagher had a magnificent game, combining huge energy levels with great determination and fight and real quality on the ball. This guy is surely going to have one hell of a future.
Let’s hope that the players have enough left in the tank for Swansea on Wednesday. I’m sure that Lee and Jacko will introduce some fresh legs where they can and they’ll be anxious to avoid an ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’ performance in front of a smaller midweek crowd. Just how good would it be to hit 20 points after just 10 games ?
I left the North Stand Bar to catch the 18:30 train at the same time as the Leeds team coach - Bielsa must have had a lot to say to his team in the dressing room and to the press afterwards. As the bus was turning out past the Club Shop, some bloke ran out in front, dropped his trousers and bared his arse to the coach. I don’t know whether he was a Charlton supporter or one of theirs (they’re a demanding bunch) or, indeed, what old Marcelo made of it. It did, however, serve to reinforce the sense of joie de vivre.
Anybody else amused by the animated gestures and arm waving from Bielsa and no less than 3 of his staff in the technical area. Like some veterans boy band. It amused me to believe they were all shouting contradictory instructions. Who did the players listen to?
The interpreter...’ee say kick the ball not to the grey sky where the little man jump higher...’
Leeds are a very good side. Can't help but think if they had someone better than Bamford up top they would be pissing it.
All our boys were incredible, but we could do with being more clinical when we break with men over.
Fans outstanding again, barely heard Leeds all game.
Was walking back to the station and heard Leeds fans saying that we'll be up there come the end of the season, we keel getting results against the top sides then why the fck not??
Agree with this, make no mistake they are a very good side and anyone above them at the end of the season will go up. Their movement and passing had us all over the place at times.
However we don’t know when we are beaten and hung in there with a bit of luck too.
great debut for Bonne, everyone was was outstanding but I thought Leko caused them problems all day long, love his direct running and Gallagher was immense. He is some player for only 19 - absolute top drawer and comfortably MOM
The morning after the day before - the headache easing (helped by a bacon sandwich) - time for reflection.
Enjoyment at watching my beloved Charlton Athletic does not come much better than that. They are in Bowyer's image, they play with the commitment that was one of the hallmarks of his playing career, not difficult to see what he instills in his players.
Chris Solly (he's only 5'3" you know) turned back the years and showed why he is such a favourite at the club - he is more than a match for The Championship.
Lockyer and Naby - rocks in defence. Pratley's work rate exceptional, and he was apparently carrying a knock! Williams showed in patches why he is a Premier League player. Dillon safe and secure and our number one by a mile. Bonne worked his socks off and needs a run in the team - he will turn out to be an inspired buy.
Last but certainly not least - Conor Gallagher. That young man has a stellar career ahead of him and will learn so much playing for Lee. I would predict 50 plus caps for England as well. His mum was in the Directors' box and was visibly moved by our chants for her son - a proud mum indeed.
Make no mistake - in terms of commitment, motivation, never say die, teamwork, tactical shrewdness and all around application, the team that deserved to win, won!
Things I learned yesterday in no particular order. 1. Bowyer’s team selection is to be admired. Didn’t expect Sarr and Bonne to start, hoped Pratley would. All did well. 2. Solly looks more comfortable in the Championship than he did in League One. 3. We don’t need to play out from the back. 4. Conor Gallagher is future England captain material. 5. The shots on goal stat is far less important than the shots on target stat. 6. Lockyer is quite Pearcelike. 7. Arriving early is good. Watching The Valley filling while the warm up takes place has gotta be witnessed at least once. 8. Leko is just as frustrated by Leko as we are. But he’s great to watch for the good bits. 9. Chuks has quick feet for a big fella. 10. It’s ok to sit back and play on the break at home against a quality passing side.
What and enjoyable match that was. Just when you fear that it’ll be three defeats in a row, the rabbit is pulled out of the hat.
You know what, @bobmunro a bacon sarnie may be called for. Picked up some streaky for autumn from M&S yesterday.
I agree with @JamesSeed that Gallagher looks future England captain material. I said that about Jonjo Shelvey but it isn't going to happen, it seems because there is a bit of red mist tendency in his make up. Gallagher has a maturity beyond his years in decision making, and a superb attitude. As said above, one of the reasons why that twat Bamford didn't get red is that Connor didn't just not roll around, he sprang to his feet as if to say "It'll take more than you to stop me, you ponce".
Chelsea have so many great young players that I believe he is OK for the season but it will be heartbreaking to see him go.
Said to my mates just before half time that they'd run out of ideas and i think the 2 subs at half time reinforced that. They were very good however and could have been a few goals up, but by half time i just had that feeling it was going to be our day - every one of our player was totally switched on and prepared to put their bodies on the line. Its all been said and i agree completely that Connor Gallagher was our MOTM - it was as though he took it as an insult that anybody on the Leeds team should think they were better than him and he was there to prove they weren't. Leko can become some player as well - just needs drilling into him to pass it simple after a bit of magic - he seems to get away from players and then not have a thought about what he's going to do with the ball until the next player is on him. Lockyer is a brilliant signing, can see him becoming captain for the next decade - a proper Charlton type player and i really think that Chucks should start up top on Wednesday - he doesn't have a great engine but can play in bursts and is capable of getting away from players so why not do that at the very top of the pitch and then shoot? Phillips is a great keeper as well - yes his last couple of kicks could have been better but he is without doubt our nr.1 now and seems to be core to the spirit of things. On to Wednesday and looking forward to seeing a bit more of otzumer, chucks and field - not sure what was up with Hemed today? anybody know??
Comments
I know I should just celebrate a great win but I still worry we don't create much and that Leko is great at receiving the ball and turning his man but rarely offers any end product.
Solly was immense.
Leeds were a very talented team and they came out of the blocks so fast they could have been two up in the first ten minutes. A lesser Charlton side, and we've seen many, would have folded. But we came back into it well and subdued them until the last 15 minutes or so. Instrumental in this were Jonny Williams, Josh Cullen and, especially, Conor Gallagher. I thought Bielik and Cullen were top notch for us last season but Conor is even better. He is surely destined to be a Premier League player in the near future - just wish it was with us.
Jon Leko ran his heart out, and did a lot of top defensive work too. He makes space so cleverly and gives opposition defences real headaches. Its such a shame that his decision making and composure near the penalty box aren't there yet.
First time I've seen Macauley Bonne. He reminded me a lot of Steve Jones, lots of running and showed for the ball to give us an outlet. He clearly lacks that burst of acceleration that the better strikers have in order to get that yard of space in the box, and he doesn't have the technique of Lyle Taylor, but he did ok.
Brilliant atmosphere added to a very enjoyable afternoon. Great to bump into the lovely @Fanny Fanackapan and family too.
great atmosphere
bamford is a Cnut of a player and I hope he gets 2 footed next match wanker
Bamford made no attempt to play the ball, it was just a frustrated lash at Gallagher and he should have gone.
Gallagher probably did him a favour by not rolling around for 5 Minutes.
PS Bamford is shit. If they had Lyle they would be out of sight
Obviously i don't watch Leeds much, but Nketiah must be shocking in training if he doesn't get a start ahead of him.
Its much easier to score goals when you have the ball than when you havnt.
It was like he wanted to jump on "time-wasting" before Phillips had even given it a second thought.
Like some veterans boy band.
It amused me to believe they were all shouting contradictory instructions.
Who did the players listen to?
A tremendously committed, disciplined and gutsy performance from our lads and the perfect antidote to the last two defeats. I’m sure that no Charlton supporter will have left The Valley without a feeling of great pride in the team after such a prodigious effort. A tactically smart game plan and a case of every man Jack.
Leeds had us on the back foot early on with their slick passing and movement but, save for a few squeaks at the end, they came as close to a goal in those first few minutes as they did in the entire game. Once we got our noses in front, we got a foothold in the match, with Darren Pratley slipping expertly in and out of the back five and our players competing effectively all over the field. The fact that Bielsa introduced two substitutes at half time speaks for itself.
Our defending was excellent, with countless blocks, headers and clearances and their runners were diligently tracked by our team as a whole. Lockyer has another fine game and he and Naby completely subdued the ineffective and petulant Bamford, who was hooked halfway through the second half. Nor did the introduction of Nketiah at half time make any impression on our solidity. I also lost count of the number of clearances made by Chris Solly in the second half, especially at the far post from a series of dangerous right wing crosses. I loved his thundering tackle in front of the East Stand in the second half and this was a game where Chris drew on all his class, experience and nous to help get us over the line.
Our midfielders worked prodigiously hard to contain Leeds and, up front, I thought that both Leko and Macauley Bonne did well. The goal will do Macauley the world of good and I liked his pace and movement. Leko demonstrated his ability to turn defenders and burn them off with his pace, although he made a mess of one good opportunity on the break when they were desperately short handed at the back. He doesn’t function as well when he has too much time to think, although as Lee has emphasised, if he was closer to the finished product, West Brom wouldn’t have let him out on loan.
After that humongous collective effort, it feels invidious to single out an individual for Man of the Match but I thought that Connor Gallagher had a magnificent game, combining huge energy levels with great determination and fight and real quality on the ball. This guy is surely going to have one hell of a future.
Let’s hope that the players have enough left in the tank for Swansea on Wednesday. I’m sure that Lee and Jacko will introduce some fresh legs where they can and they’ll be anxious to avoid an ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’ performance in front of a smaller midweek crowd. Just how good would it be to hit 20 points after just 10 games ?
I left the North Stand Bar to catch the 18:30 train at the same time as the Leeds team coach - Bielsa must have had a lot to say to his team in the dressing room and to the press afterwards. As the bus was turning out past the Club Shop, some bloke ran out in front, dropped his trousers and bared his arse to the coach. I don’t know whether he was a Charlton supporter or one of theirs (they’re a demanding bunch) or, indeed, what old Marcelo made of it. It did, however, serve to reinforce the sense of joie de vivre.
What a wonderful afternoon’s entertainment.
However we don’t know when we are beaten and hung in there with a bit of luck too.
great debut for Bonne, everyone was was outstanding but I thought Leko caused them problems all day long, love his direct running and Gallagher was immense. He is some player for only 19 - absolute top drawer and comfortably MOM
Great quote.
1. Bowyer’s team selection is to be admired. Didn’t expect Sarr and Bonne to start, hoped Pratley would. All did well.
2. Solly looks more comfortable in the Championship than he did in League One.
3. We don’t need to play out from the back.
4. Conor Gallagher is future England captain material.
5. The shots on goal stat is far less important than the shots on target stat.
6. Lockyer is quite Pearcelike.
7. Arriving early is good. Watching The Valley filling while the warm up takes place has gotta be witnessed at least once.
8. Leko is just as frustrated by Leko as we are. But he’s great to watch for the good bits.
9. Chuks has quick feet for a big fella.
10. It’s ok to sit back and play on the break at home against a quality passing side.
What and enjoyable match that was. Just when you fear that it’ll be three defeats in a row, the rabbit is pulled out of the hat.
"Lee Bowyer's men played a bit like Lee Bowyer, giving everything, fighting for everything.
The Valley crowd responded to this, every tackle feeding the atmosphere."
I agree with @JamesSeed that Gallagher looks future England captain material. I said that about Jonjo Shelvey but it isn't going to happen, it seems because there is a bit of red mist tendency in his make up. Gallagher has a maturity beyond his years in decision making, and a superb attitude. As said above, one of the reasons why that twat Bamford didn't get red is that Connor didn't just not roll around, he sprang to his feet as if to say "It'll take more than you to stop me, you ponce".
Chelsea have so many great young players that I believe he is OK for the season but it will be heartbreaking to see him go.