The two up front worked well and having such a direct player as Millar complimented them. We were getting the ball up the field more quickly and if a pass wasn't on it was hoofed forwards. In the first half especially the midfield pushed forwards and even if we didn't win the balls, Rochdale had to rush their clearances and it was coming back to us.
Second half, as we were two up, we didn't push the midfield up so much and that meant they got more second ball but because they were worried about our forwards, they couldn't really commit too many bodies forwards. That is something to build on.
I thought we should have had two pens. The one on JFC would have been a bit soft but it would have been given a foul anywhere else on the pitch so was a pen. The one on Millar was strange as the ref was well positioned. I also felt Aneke was getting fouled quite a bit second half (understandably because he was scaring them) but refs need to understand that it isn't unfair for a player to be much stronger than another. It is unfair to nudge and push that player.
Bizarre to go from the previous game to this one and the change in the players' apparent attitude and belief. Making that change is one thing, maintaining it another.
Alot of the games the teams around us have in hand are going to be against each other so I expect everything will even out much the way the table looks now, we just need to put a run together ourselves hopefully today was the start
Really impressive performance. Managed the game comfortably from start to finish.
Zero complaints about anything today. Need to follow this up with a win against Gillingham and start to sort the home form out to go alongside these strong away showing.
if Bowyer drops Purrington next week I will be straight into Sandgaard DM’s on Twitter. Back to back clean sheets for Purrington.
Main difference in our defence was we played to our strength,dont ponce about,whack it up to the front men,let them do the rest.Pleased for Oshi,looking better every week.Word also for Pratley,again an absolute nightmare for their midfield,he did not give an inch.
We approached this game unlike we have any game this season. Two big strong players up front, more direct passing and no over passing and no fear booting it up when needed.
I would question why it has taken this long but hey ho, we do have something to build on. IMO much more than our previous wins against Rovers and MK Dons. I can see this translating to home games. I think we do have to try to get Aneke on the pitch for as many minutes as possible. He is going to be a key player for us if we are going to make the play offs.
A back 4 all playing in their natural positions, a flat 442 with 1 "winger" on the left and a right footed midfielder on the right, 2 physical forwards against a defence who struggle with physicality. Great pressing and no defensive howlers.
The only disappointment is that we didn't get the 3rd when on top in the first half, as there was always the risk that Rochdale could have nicked a goal and made the second half unnecessarily nervous. As it was they were very poor and we held on easily.
Will be interesting when the two cb’s are back? Deji would be very unlucky to be dropped, Pearce was good today but still think he’s 4th choice. Hopefully the competition will make them all fight harder for clean sheets which is obviously good all round.would bows use a 3 at the back more??
Alot of the games the teams around us have in hand are going to be against each other so I expect everything will even out much the way the table looks now, we just need to put a run together ourselves hopefully today was the start
Exactly, forget about the others, concentrate on ourselves
Excellent team performance all round, it looked like they knew the system they were being asked to play. Pressed high, dominated midfield and looked hungry up front.
Massive improvement and as others have said, perhaps the start of a run we need and deserve to go on. Well done the Addicks!
Credit where credit due, that was a good all round professional performance today.
Oshilaja my MOTM. Can only say since he's come back into the team he's played very well.
All I ask is please Lee, can we play 4-4-2 again next week. And please keep any changes to the absolute minimum. If Famewo is fit, I'd bring him in for Pearce but otherwise let's try and have some consistency for a change.
Allelujah, for whatever reason Bowyer picked his best 11 from the start (assuming the Swindon lads need time) and kept it simple playing 4-4-2. You could tell within minutes that the team were comfortable, knew what they were doing and were playing in the correct positions. They looked like a team.
Gunter back at right back, about time. Purrington who looks very reliable (unlike Maatsen) back at left back. Pearce (yes he has looked poor), back at centre half instead of Gunter (who has been worse at CB than Pearce). Oshi was excellent & MOM.
JFC played well, Shinnie was ok, blew hot & cold, but he's not a right winger & I'd prefer DJ there, Pratley was excellent, as was Miller.
Aneke was very good and Stockley was a right handful.
Dear Lee, keep the same team with the possible exception of DJ for Shinnie, keep the same formation, take the lead and win games. It's not too difficult if you don't over complicate matters.
Back to basics. Players in their right positions. Defenders doing their jobs. Minimal fannying around at the back as Amos was looking for the two target men, who both had good games. Millar and later DJ both using their pace well. Ronnie not touching the ball in his ten minute cameo (or did he?). Could and should have been more. Much better today.
Having two big guys up front and two centre halves plus Pratters meant we defended set pieces better and were more of a threat from them too. Bowyer shouldn't mess about with this at all bar bringing in Famewo for Pearce when he is ready.
Pleased with how solid we looked. So many times this season Maatsen has been amongst our best players, and yet today he wasn't missed. Midfield looked really crowded at times but we had the ability to cut through it whilst they walked (or passed) themselves into trouble. For most that first half we were a constant threat. If I have one complaint all game it's that free kick at the end, shame to waste opportunities like that. Not to worry though; entertaining football, good effort from everyone an a win. Can't ask for much more than that.
Blimey @Covered End that’s spooky, this is what I’ve just messaged my son;
‘Good solid away performance. All the defence played well Pearce and Purrington stepped up to the plate. Oshilajas good form just gets better. Should’ve have been out of sight. Our front two were a handful. DJ for shinnie next week otherwise same team’.
Comments
Second half, as we were two up, we didn't push the midfield up so much and that meant they got more second ball but because they were worried about our forwards, they couldn't really commit too many bodies forwards. That is something to build on.
I thought we should have had two pens. The one on JFC would have been a bit soft but it would have been given a foul anywhere else on the pitch so was a pen. The one on Millar was strange as the ref was well positioned. I also felt Aneke was getting fouled quite a bit second half (understandably because he was scaring them) but refs need to understand that it isn't unfair for a player to be much stronger than another. It is unfair to nudge and push that player.
as for those who are going, wibble wibble we beat a lower placed team, have a word, you would have been piling in if we lost
if Bowyer drops Purrington next week I will be straight into Sandgaard DM’s on Twitter. Back to back clean sheets for Purrington.
I would question why it has taken this long but hey ho, we do have something to build on. IMO much more than our previous wins against Rovers and MK Dons. I can see this translating to home games. I think we do have to try to get Aneke on the pitch for as many minutes as possible. He is going to be a key player for us if we are going to make the play offs.
A back 4 all playing in their natural positions, a flat 442 with 1 "winger" on the left and a right footed midfielder on the right, 2 physical forwards against a defence who struggle with physicality. Great pressing and no defensive howlers.
The only disappointment is that we didn't get the 3rd when on top in the first half, as there was always the risk that Rochdale could have nicked a goal and made the second half unnecessarily nervous. As it was they were very poor and we held on easily.
Massive improvement and as others have said, perhaps the start of a run we need and deserve to go on. Well done the Addicks!
An added bonus that Hull, Sunderland, Portsmouth and Accrington all dropped points to bottom half sides.
Bowyer please dont tinker much with the starting line up unless it's for injuries.
Better with Purrington at left back imho.
Oshilaja my MOTM. Can only say since he's come back into the team he's played very well.
All I ask is please Lee, can we play 4-4-2 again next week. And please keep any changes to the absolute minimum. If Famewo is fit, I'd bring him in for Pearce but otherwise let's try and have some consistency for a change.
You could tell within minutes that the team were comfortable, knew what they were doing and were playing in the correct positions. They looked like a team.
Gunter back at right back, about time.
Purrington who looks very reliable (unlike Maatsen) back at left back.
Pearce (yes he has looked poor), back at centre half instead of Gunter (who has been worse at CB than Pearce).
Oshi was excellent & MOM.
JFC played well, Shinnie was ok, blew hot & cold, but he's not a right winger & I'd prefer DJ there, Pratley was excellent, as was Miller.
Aneke was very good and Stockley was a right handful.
Dear Lee, keep the same team with the possible exception of DJ for Shinnie, keep the same formation, take the lead and win games. It's not too difficult if you don't over complicate matters.