The only negative from today was I doubt Rochdale were expecting us to play like we did, so we must have surprised them.
Ha, that’s one of the best negatives I’ve ever heard! How DARE you tactically outfox the opposition Bowyer you fraud. Who the hell does he think he is, Fabio Capello???
Haven't yet commented on the game itself. We needed that, a strong first half performance, a comfortable win and a clean sheet.
Good to see a return to a simple 4-4-2, Bowyer needs to stick with it and let other teams worry about us.
The two things that impressed me the most were how well we pressed Rochdale and the difference having two good physical strikers made. Stockley and Aneke were winning and helping us keep possession at times when I was expecting us to lose out.
That strike partnership, getting back Shinnie and adding Millar's pace makes a huge difference. It reduces the pressure on the defence and shows improving our defending isn't simply about signing better CBs.
Millar especially is so important. He changes us from a team who are on paper good enough but lack that outlet to a team who look like they should be comfortably in the top 6. A promising debut from DJ shows we have an alternative and the option to play two wingers. If we can bring in a free agent I'd like it to be another quick winger, we're a different team without a player like that, an injuries to Millar and DJ could be the difference between a good season and Bowyer losing his job. Defending can always be worked on and Pearce has shown while we probably need to move on in the summer he still has something to offer this season.
Purrington played well and deserves to keep his place, he looks like the 7/10 player he was in 18/19. I'd have Maatsen on the bench for his pace, though it would be harsh to leave Matthews out of the squad. Hopefully we can make at least one of Shinnie and Stockley permanent to allow us to include all loanees in the squad.
Big month coming up, I'm expecting us to go on a run. That doesn't mean we won't lose the odd game but we've found a set up that works for us, I want to see us give it time to allow partnerships to develop and confidence to grow. I get that we won't always play the same 11 every game but other than an injury crisis there should be few reasons to change the formation. I hope Bowyer can resist that temptation, they're clearly much more comfortable in a 4-4-2 where they have clear roles. It's taken longer than we'd have liked but I also wouldn't see it working as well if you replaced Millar with Williams, Maddison or Smyth and Bogle for Stockley.
I think any analysis of this performance has to be adjusted to account for the fact that Rochdale were pretty terrible.
I do it myself, but we never adjust our analysis for when the opposition were pretty good. We caught Rochdale scoring worldies, Accrington and Portsmouth putting in perfect away from home solid performances, MK Dons when all their passing game came together for their ‘game of the season’.
All in the ‘making excuses’ camp, but we are always quick to flag it when it works out for us.
Scoham nails it as ever. Thanks LB, that was the performance we have been desperate for. Can we now keep the core of this side, not too much tinkering, and put a run together? Enjoyed DJ's little cameo
I think any analysis of this performance has to be adjusted to account for the fact that Rochdale were pretty terrible.
I do it myself, but we never adjust our analysis for when the opposition were pretty good. We caught Rochdale scoring worldies, Accrington and Portsmouth putting in perfect away from home solid performances, MK Dons when all their passing game came together for their ‘game of the season’.
All in the ‘making excuses’ camp, but we are always quick to flag it when it works out for us.
Indeed. Rochdale were only as terrible as we made them
He started off shite, He finished alright, Walking in a Shinnie wonderland.
Poor player who is lightweight and poor in possession costing us twice in 2 games at least. First 6 touches yesterday he lost the ball 4 times. Should be nowhere near a 1st choice.
The entire team stepped up to the plate. Purrington showed he should be first choice at left-back, Pearce showed he still has plenty to offer, Millar is a class above, sign Stockley on a permanent deal asap, keep Pratley in the role he played yesterday, fingers crossed Deji continues to give MoM performances and a smashing cameo from DJ. After being in the depths of despair following the Pompey game, I am now optimistic of us going on a good run.
Somewhat unfair comparison in saying we're 6th after 27 games - this season we've played more than any other team in the division bar just Crewe (28) and the same as just Swindon.
Our "real" position when there is a level playing field is probably 8th and could be as low as 10th as Sunderland (2 points needed from 2 games in hand to overtake us), Accrington (2 from 4 games in hand), Ipswich (4 from 3) and Oxford (6 from 3) are all in a position to overhaul us.
God, that league one winning season was immense looking at those comparisons.
like others have mentioned, I would like Purrington to start at LB for the foreseeable. There seems to be a much more defensive balance to us when he plays. I’ve got nothing against Maatsen, I’m basing this on solid performances at MK Dons and now Rochdale. I know there’s pressure to play these loan players, especially from Chelsea, but we’ve 19 games left. I think Bowyer can give Purrington a run
Somewhat unfair comparison in saying we're 6th after 27 games - this season we've played more than any other team in the division bar just Crewe (28) and the same as just Swindon.
Our "real" position when there is a level playing field is probably 8th and could be as low as 10th as Sunderland (2 points needed from 2 games in hand to overtake us), Accrington (2 from 4 games in hand), Ipswich (4 from 3) and Oxford (6 from 3) are all in a position to overhaul us.
As this is from CafcFacts it is a fact that we are 6th after 27 games. Maybe if every team had played the same amount of games our position would be different but at this moment in time a fact is a fact. And that's a fact.
He started off shite, He finished alright, Walking in a Shinnie wonderland.
Poor player who is lightweight and poor in possession costing us twice in 2 games at least. First 6 touches yesterday he lost the ball 4 times. Should be nowhere near a 1st choice.
He's a good player and when on form he's one of the best in possession. He's always trying to create so I can forgive him for not keeping the ball as well as some of our more defensive players. He's been out injured and needs time to get back to his best. JFC and Oshilaja are good examples of how a run of games helps a player find form.
Agree with this. Maybe he wasn't up against the best opponent, but he didn't put a foot wrong defensively. With the ball he was efficient and linked very well with both JFC and Millar. Was possibly BP's best game in a Charlton shirt.
Otherwise, when he cuts out the mistakes, as he has been doing, Oshilaja is arguably as effective as Inniss. What he lacks in height, he makes up in pace, sharpness and an outstanding leap. He seemed to win headers all day long yesterday.
This is the first extended run he has had at CB with us I think, and his best spell of form. Maybe not a coincidence, and possibly it is only recently we have seen the player he can be. Add to that his versatility, and I'm beginning to think he deserves a new contract.
Pearce played well yesterday, other than one typical JP grapple, but I think Famewo is an upgrade, especially against pace, and should come back in. I think Deji gives Inniss a fight for a place.
Somewhat unfair comparison in saying we're 6th after 27 games - this season we've played more than any other team in the division bar just Crewe (28) and the same as just Swindon.
Our "real" position when there is a level playing field is probably 8th and could be as low as 10th as Sunderland (2 points needed from 2 games in hand to overtake us), Accrington (2 from 4 games in hand), Ipswich (4 from 3) and Oxford (6 from 3) are all in a position to overhaul us.
As this is from CafcFacts it is a fact that we are 6th after 27 games. Maybe if every team had played the same amount of games our position would be different but at this moment in time a fact is a fact. And that's a fact.
I wonder if CafcFacts will produce the table after Tuesday night's matches because if Accrington and Sunderland win we will be 8th? And the fact will be that that will be our position after 27 games too!
Somewhat unfair comparison in saying we're 6th after 27 games - this season we've played more than any other team in the division bar just Crewe (28) and the same as just Swindon.
Our "real" position when there is a level playing field is probably 8th and could be as low as 10th as Sunderland (2 points needed from 2 games in hand to overtake us), Accrington (2 from 4 games in hand), Ipswich (4 from 3) and Oxford (6 from 3) are all in a position to overhaul us.
As this is from CafcFacts it is a fact that we are 6th after 27 games. Maybe if every team had played the same amount of games our position would be different but at this moment in time a fact is a fact. And that's a fact.
I wonder if CafcFacts will produce the table after Tuesday night's matches because if Accrington and Sunderland win we will be 8th? And that will be a fact too!
Yep .weather permitting there's 10 league one games on Tuesday and 6 the following Tuesday. We will have a much clearer picture of our league position following these matches.
That was a great team performance yesterday - defended as a team, attacked as a team - no player had a bad game IMO - if we play like that remainder of season we will be fine
Somewhat unfair comparison in saying we're 6th after 27 games - this season we've played more than any other team in the division bar just Crewe (28) and the same as just Swindon.
Our "real" position when there is a level playing field is probably 8th and could be as low as 10th as Sunderland (2 points needed from 2 games in hand to overtake us), Accrington (2 from 4 games in hand), Ipswich (4 from 3) and Oxford (6 from 3) are all in a position to overhaul us.
Said exactly the same to Golfie Jnr last night when I saw those stats.
That was a great team performance yesterday - defended as a team, attacked as a team - no player had a bad game IMO - if we play like that remainder of season we will be fine
That's a great point - we looked like a team, something we haven't done in recent months. I think much of that is down to playing a 4-4-2, a system every player knows how to play.
I believe that when the ball goes forward and doesn't keep coming back immediately it helps the games of others. You can mark Schwartz and Washington tightly and nick the ball from them but you can't do that so easily with Aneke and Stokley. It is wrong to question Schwartz, he is short of football and his time will come I'm sure, but for the moment we are onto something with Aneke and Stockley.
I like maatsen but it was clear he needs a rest and purrington is a solid left back. Just need Gunter swapped for Matthew’s and I’d be happier with our back four. Until injuries clear up. But thought everyone put a shift in today. Millar has made such a difference to us as well best signing this season.
I like Gunter as a right back. Far less so as a centre half. Matthews is a bit more of a wing back but the quality of his crosses has been poor this season. He finds the first man about 90% of the time!
Quite simply Charlton need to win games to try and overcome those stats. If Charlton win ten games they are play off bound. Teams will start to have problems through injuries and suspensions, look at Luton two seasons back, went on a fantastic run then couldn't buy a win and got up on a result elsewhere.
Somewhat unfair comparison in saying we're 6th after 27 games - this season we've played more than any other team in the division bar just Crewe (28) and the same as just Swindon.
Our "real" position when there is a level playing field is probably 8th and could be as low as 10th as Sunderland (2 points needed from 2 games in hand to overtake us), Accrington (2 from 4 games in hand), Ipswich (4 from 3) and Oxford (6 from 3) are all in a position to overhaul us.
As this is from CafcFacts it is a fact that we are 6th after 27 games. Maybe if every team had played the same amount of games our position would be different but at this moment in time a fact is a fact. And that's a fact.
I wonder if CafcFacts will produce the table after Tuesday night's matches because if Accrington and Sunderland win we will be 8th? And the fact will be that that will be our position after 27 games too!
No doubt he will.
What a mountain of cracking info he puts together. A great poster.
I think the main change that made us look solid was having two fullbacks that can actually defend - rather than bomb forward like Maatsen and Matthews who are both good going forward but neither are good defenders . Gunter and Purrington are better defenders and give us more height on set pieces . This also helps our two centre halves who have not been playing that well .
I just wanted to mention Pearce's assist because I don't think enough has been made of it. Diving backwards, he managed to send the ball forwards, that it some skill. Absolutely brilliant. I wonder, when was the last time we got a goal scored and assisted by a centre half?
Well well well. We could've been five or six up in the first half alone: woodwork twice; penalty shout(s) denied; a couple of other good chances to boot. We were night and day compared to the first half against Rochdale a few weeks ago. In no particular order, some bullet points:
- We look like a team. I do wonder if that's because Maddison has left.
- A solid foundation, with five defenders all playing in the positions they've played in for most of their career, is so blindingly obviously the right way to set up and I'm glad Bowyer has finally done it. But the character in the performance earns him a lot of credit. (A ways to go though: we have to build on this.)
- I'm not personally a fan of two target men, but my god it worked, and clearly bears fruit in League One. Stockley won everything in the air, and Chuks is so good at letting the ball come to him then laying it off (though not perfect!). No central defensive duo will be happy at the prospect of facing up against those two for a game. NB I hope Bogle does well in his career. Just didn't work out.
- Millar is a bit special. He reads the game quickly, and coupling that with genuine pace, makes him one of the best acquisitions this season.
- One can still easily make a case for changing the team (or tinkering): I think we set up the right way against Rochdale as an opponent. Shinnie and Gunter worked well together to nullify Baah, their biggest threat. But there might be times where DJ is better on the right; Maatsen is better on the left because a team is weaker defensively there; or Schwartz plays off the last defender's shoulder if they've got an oil tanker at CB, for instance. That sort of thing.
- This, however, as a basic system is simple and effective: a normal back 5; pacey winger; one playmaker and one water-carrier centre mid; a creative wide midfielder in Shinnie; two big boys up front so the midfield can press higher up in attack. Lovely job.
- Purrington was very good. I think we held our defensive line and shape far better with him in the team. He doesn't roam from his position nearly as much as Maatsen. Not so much a knock on Maatsen, who is only 18 we must remember, but Purrington was the right influence today.
- Give Aneke what he wants.
- All this said, I reckon we should allow a lot of players to move on in the summer: Pratley's legs are going; Shinnie's might be on their way; Pearce looked really good today but is on a wedge; if we get promoted Oshilaja may not be more than a backup (just because his distribution would be a particular worry); Ben Watson is ancient and probably on a bit of cash.
There's a lot to be positive though. I don't think we should write our season off just yet. I feel MILES better than I did after Portsmouth and my interest has been well and truly piqued again.
Comments
I won't name the guy who said on the Match thread yesterday that Maatsen should choose a new Career if Purrington gets in the team ahead of him.
The lack of understanding about synergy in football and team sports never ceases to amaze me.
Enjoy the win and realize we need all the squad to realize Thomas Sandgaard's ambition.
Good to see a return to a simple 4-4-2, Bowyer needs to stick with it and let other teams worry about us.
The two things that impressed me the most were how well we pressed Rochdale and the difference having two good physical strikers made. Stockley and Aneke were winning and helping us keep possession at times when I was expecting us to lose out.
That strike partnership, getting back Shinnie and adding Millar's pace makes a huge difference. It reduces the pressure on the defence and shows improving our defending isn't simply about signing better CBs.
Millar especially is so important. He changes us from a team who are on paper good enough but lack that outlet to a team who look like they should be comfortably in the top 6. A promising debut from DJ shows we have an alternative and the option to play two wingers. If we can bring in a free agent I'd like it to be another quick winger, we're a different team without a player like that, an injuries to Millar and DJ could be the difference between a good season and Bowyer losing his job. Defending can always be worked on and Pearce has shown while we probably need to move on in the summer he still has something to offer this season.
Purrington played well and deserves to keep his place, he looks like the 7/10 player he was in 18/19. I'd have Maatsen on the bench for his pace, though it would be harsh to leave Matthews out of the squad. Hopefully we can make at least one of Shinnie and Stockley permanent to allow us to include all loanees in the squad.
Big month coming up, I'm expecting us to go on a run. That doesn't mean we won't lose the odd game but we've found a set up that works for us, I want to see us give it time to allow partnerships to develop and confidence to grow. I get that we won't always play the same 11 every game but other than an injury crisis there should be few reasons to change the formation. I hope Bowyer can resist that temptation, they're clearly much more comfortable in a 4-4-2 where they have clear roles. It's taken longer than we'd have liked but I also wouldn't see it working as well if you replaced Millar with Williams, Maddison or Smyth and Bogle for Stockley.
Already looking forward to next Saturday.
All in the ‘making excuses’ camp, but we are always quick to flag it when it works out for us.
Thanks LB, that was the performance we have been desperate for.
Can we now keep the core of this side, not too much tinkering, and put a run together?
Enjoyed DJ's little cameo
After being in the depths of despair following the Pompey game, I am now optimistic of us going on a good run.
Our "real" position when there is a level playing field is probably 8th and could be as low as 10th as Sunderland (2 points needed from 2 games in hand to overtake us), Accrington (2 from 4 games in hand), Ipswich (4 from 3) and Oxford (6 from 3) are all in a position to overhaul us.
like others have mentioned, I would like Purrington to start at LB for the foreseeable. There seems to be a much more defensive balance to us when he plays. I’ve got nothing against Maatsen, I’m basing this on solid performances at MK Dons and now Rochdale. I know there’s pressure to play these loan players, especially from Chelsea, but we’ve 19 games left. I think Bowyer can give Purrington a run
Maybe if every team had played the same amount of games our position would be different but at this moment in time a fact is a fact.
And that's a fact.
Otherwise, when he cuts out the mistakes, as he has been doing, Oshilaja is arguably as effective as Inniss. What he lacks in height, he makes up in pace, sharpness and an outstanding leap. He seemed to win headers all day long yesterday.
This is the first extended run he has had at CB with us I think, and his best spell of form. Maybe not a coincidence, and possibly it is only recently we have seen the player he can be. Add to that his versatility, and I'm beginning to think he deserves a new contract.
Pearce played well yesterday, other than one typical JP grapple, but I think Famewo is an upgrade, especially against pace, and should come back in. I think Deji gives Inniss a fight for a place.
We will have a much clearer picture of our league position following these matches.
What a mountain of cracking info he puts together. A great poster.
- We look like a team. I do wonder if that's because Maddison has left.
- A solid foundation, with five defenders all playing in the positions they've played in for most of their career, is so blindingly obviously the right way to set up and I'm glad Bowyer has finally done it. But the character in the performance earns him a lot of credit. (A ways to go though: we have to build on this.)
- I'm not personally a fan of two target men, but my god it worked, and clearly bears fruit in League One. Stockley won everything in the air, and Chuks is so good at letting the ball come to him then laying it off (though not perfect!). No central defensive duo will be happy at the prospect of facing up against those two for a game. NB I hope Bogle does well in his career. Just didn't work out.
- Millar is a bit special. He reads the game quickly, and coupling that with genuine pace, makes him one of the best acquisitions this season.
- One can still easily make a case for changing the team (or tinkering): I think we set up the right way against Rochdale as an opponent. Shinnie and Gunter worked well together to nullify Baah, their biggest threat. But there might be times where DJ is better on the right; Maatsen is better on the left because a team is weaker defensively there; or Schwartz plays off the last defender's shoulder if they've got an oil tanker at CB, for instance. That sort of thing.
- This, however, as a basic system is simple and effective: a normal back 5; pacey winger; one playmaker and one water-carrier centre mid; a creative wide midfielder in Shinnie; two big boys up front so the midfield can press higher up in attack. Lovely job.
- Purrington was very good. I think we held our defensive line and shape far better with him in the team. He doesn't roam from his position nearly as much as Maatsen. Not so much a knock on Maatsen, who is only 18 we must remember, but Purrington was the right influence today.
- Give Aneke what he wants.
- All this said, I reckon we should allow a lot of players to move on in the summer: Pratley's legs are going; Shinnie's might be on their way; Pearce looked really good today but is on a wedge; if we get promoted Oshilaja may not be more than a backup (just because his distribution would be a particular worry); Ben Watson is ancient and probably on a bit of cash.
There's a lot to be positive though. I don't think we should write our season off just yet. I feel MILES better than I did after Portsmouth and my interest has been well and truly piqued again.
COYR!