Yet another of those games we've come to expect & fear.....one of 2 halves.
But keeping a clean sheet in both plus a superb finish from Chuks to get our noses in front just about did the job.
LOVED Stevie B's commentary/comments throughout. He summed up each situation as it occurred : what was working or not, why young Maatsen's positioning was all wrong in the later stages, pointing out when Watson was doing a good job helping out the centre backs etc etc.
For me, one of the differences from tonight's performance and those in recent weeks was that we were more proactive than reactive. And the decisions made were decent ones on the whole....and no discernible, major errors at the back.....hurrah !
As has been pointed out on numerous occasions this season, one swallow does not a summer make.
But it definitely is a step in the right direction and will hopefully point the gaffer towards that light bulb moment when he acknowledges his best starting line up. We can but hope.
My MOTM ?
Tonight, the skipper impressed me hugely & led by example, bless his cotton socks.
So, it's onwards to the city of dreaming spires and no doubt a warm welcome from former fans' favourite garrulous gaffer.
Could we make it 2 wins in a row & take another baby step towards the top 6 ? Loins are being girded as we speak.
Stranger things have happened at sea but then again, that's where our lads have found themselves all too often.....
You are so right about Brownie. His insights on what was happening in the game and little details on how players could have done it differently and better was illuminating. Best commentary I have heard in years, very impressive. JFC best player on the pitch first half. Famewo my MOM. Would not argue with Pearce though. Best game in a while.
Important to get the 3 points. No sign today of any player unrest. Everyone gave their all. JFC, Smith and Watson made a big difference. We actually had a central midfield today. And Pearce gave his all.
But, we do need a rebuild. This team just doesn’t play as a team.
For now, though, the 3 points were huge. In Bows we trust (because that is my preference..... but with big reservations).
“[Telling the players not to think about the top six is] reverse phycology. Now you understand what I’m doing. I just thought the pressure of me and everybody else talking about the top six, I just felt it got to the players and some of them maybe couldn’t handle that pressure. Some can take pressure and some can’t. That’s why I decided to take the steps I have.
Explains his overachieving comment?
If true (and I guess a good result should at least be worth the benefit of the doubt here) then this is actually a legitimately good thing to hear from Bowyer. Both that he's taken a step back to reconsider and that he actually DID (apparently) change his approach. Does make me wonder if someone (Sandgaard or Curbs or maybe someone else entirely) has "suggested" he takes a day off/step back.
Doesn't mean for a minute that all is right again as until we get two or three results in a row this may very well end up a false dawn and we're back to "Bully" Bowyer Vs "Sensitive" players this time next week but I am trying to focus on the positives as much as possible.
We were in control of this game , Amos did not have a save to make we defended excellently tonight from front to back .. I been saying for a few days now that Stockley makes us play long ball leave him out and get back to playing .. and it worked we looked a much better footballing side .
There a few comments around attacking LB for dropping and not bringing on Stockley but guys he was injured had a tight muscle after Saturday ...
Special mention for Pearce Watson and JFC outstanding tonight ....
Another cert pen not given .. it’s becoming a real joke now
“[Telling the players not to think about the top six is] reverse phycology. Now you understand what I’m doing. I just thought the pressure of me and everybody else talking about the top six, I just felt it got to the players and some of them maybe couldn’t handle that pressure. Some can take pressure and some can’t. That’s why I decided to take the steps I have.
Explains his overachieving comment?
If true (and I guess a good result should at least be worth the benefit of the doubt here) then this is actually a legitimately good thing to hear from Bowyer. Both that he's taken a step back to reconsider and that he actually DID (apparently) change his approach. Does make me wonder if someone (Sandgaard or Curbs or maybe someone else entirely) has "suggested" he takes a day off/step back.
Doesn't mean for a minute that all is right again as until we get two or three results in a row this may very well end up a false dawn and we're back to "Bully" Bowyer Vs "Sensitive" players this time next week but I am trying to focus on the positives as much as possible.
I thought he sounded very careful with his words during both before and after the game today.
Especially beforehand, sounded like he was thinking about what to say a bit more
Didn’t watch so can’t comment on the performance. Wigan’s league position doesn’t lie, obviously difficult circumstances for them this season but I’d be surprised if they stay up.
A win is a win, not getting carried away at all, if anything just relief it’s a win which should ease fears of falling into a relegation battle. But we have been unlucky at times this season, so you gotta take 3 points whoever the opposition and however we play.
Three Points away from home and a clean sheet. we should have had a penalty without question but we always seem to get WANKER referees in this division. i still think trying to rely on a 1-0 lead even against a team as bad a Wigan is suicidal. we will have to play better on Saturday if we want to keep the momentum going. but I am a happy Valiant tonight 👍👍👍👍
Note.........we have not been referred to as The Valiants for decades!
“[Telling the players not to think about the top six is] reverse phycology. Now you understand what I’m doing. I just thought the pressure of me and everybody else talking about the top six, I just felt it got to the players and some of them maybe couldn’t handle that pressure. Some can take pressure and some can’t. That’s why I decided to take the steps I have.
Explains his overachieving comment?
If true (and I guess a good result should at least be worth the benefit of the doubt here) then this is actually a legitimately good thing to hear from Bowyer. Both that he's taken a step back to reconsider and that he actually DID (apparently) change his approach. Does make me wonder if someone (Sandgaard or Curbs or maybe someone else entirely) has "suggested" he takes a day off/step back.
Doesn't mean for a minute that all is right again as until we get two or three results in a row this may very well end up a false dawn and we're back to "Bully" Bowyer Vs "Sensitive" players this time next week but I am trying to focus on the positives as much as possible.
I thought he sounded very careful with his words during both before and after the game today.
Especially beforehand, sounded like he was thinking about what to say a bit more
Didn't we have this "someone's had a word" about a month ago? Was it after the Rochdale home game?
We stopped the rot and it’s a big three points, but backs to the wall defending against arguably the worst team in the league doesn’t fill me with confidence. For the umpteenth time Bowyer instructs Amos to slow it all down as soon as we’re one nil up, prompting a more negative mindset and failing to properly build on a bright start. Yes, we hung on this time, but inviting pressure will, more often than not, lead to a less positive outcome. On the plus side there were good performances from Pearce and Watson as well as Aneke, Famewo and JF-C, and I thought Smith added composure to the midfield. Needs to get more involved, but perhaps he will with more games under his belt. On the minus side I’m not sure we troubled the Wigan keeper enough. We put in plenty of crosses but I don’t remember us having any shots on target at all? [Edit: Miller’s effort cleared off the line]. A surprise win at Oxford will further boost confidence, and there’ll suddenly be all to play for, although with three consecutive home matches to follow it might be hard to maintain the momentum.
We were in control of this game , Amos did not have a save to make we defended excellently tonight from front to back .. I been saying for a few days now that Stockley makes us play long ball leave him out and get back to playing .. and it worked we looked a much better footballing side .
There a few comments around attacking LB for dropping and not bringing on Stockley but guys he was injured had a tight muscle after Saturday ...
Special mention for Pearce Watson and JFC outstanding tonight ....
Another cert pen not given .. it’s becoming a real joke now
well done boys fully deserved 3 points
We were not in control in the second half, far from it, and we still played lots of long ball - look at Benjys stats about the amount of headers Chuks won.
I think we were well worth the 3 points, and the players, specifically the ones you mentioned battled very hard. But in my opinion we did not look like a good footballing side, we rarely have done since the early parts of the championship season, and a hard fought 1-0 win against bottom of the table pretty much indicates as much.
He is still a young manager. He has made mistakes. He has to take us on a good run now to convince me he is the right man to take us forward...
BUT
He has clearly taken a little slice of humble pie, he has done the right thing in giving the players that day off and taken the pressure off them. They need to be able to relax and express themselves. We saw a better performance today that a confident team would have got the second in but we’re not at that point.
A step, a small one, in the right direction. Well done Lee and well done the players. Particularly Jason Pearce and Ben Watson who’ve had their critics this season (me included).
Didn’t see the game due to being at work so can’t comment on the performance but chuffed to get three points after recent deflating disappointments. Hopefully we can build on this and use it as a springboard to better things. I guess time will tell but for tonight, I’m happy.
Sounds sort of ok, mind you he ain't got a good stat so far, last visit was Home to Gillingham and we all remember what happened then,... he ain't got another offspring playing for Oxford has he?
I believe he has!
Ffs my least favourite guest pundit on valley pass. Only seems to come on to watch his son's play...
“[Telling the players not to think about the top six is] reverse phycology. Now you understand what I’m doing. I just thought the pressure of me and everybody else talking about the top six, I just felt it got to the players and some of them maybe couldn’t handle that pressure. Some can take pressure and some can’t. That’s why I decided to take the steps I have.
Explains his overachieving comment?
If true (and I guess a good result should at least be worth the benefit of the doubt here) then this is actually a legitimately good thing to hear from Bowyer. Both that he's taken a step back to reconsider and that he actually DID (apparently) change his approach. Does make me wonder if someone (Sandgaard or Curbs or maybe someone else entirely) has "suggested" he takes a day off/step back.
Doesn't mean for a minute that all is right again as until we get two or three results in a row this may very well end up a false dawn and we're back to "Bully" Bowyer Vs "Sensitive" players this time next week but I am trying to focus on the positives as much as possible.
I thought he sounded very careful with his words during both before and after the game today.
Especially beforehand, sounded like he was thinking about what to say a bit more
Didn't we have this "someone's had a word" about a month ago? Was it after the Rochdale home game?
We did. And that's why I'm not getting carried away just yet.
On the other hand, if part of the problem has been pressure he's been feeling himself or down to his approach, it's not impossible someone DID have a word then but his competitive/perfectionist side made him ignore it and he's since been reminded.
He does talk directly to TS semi-regularly so maybe it's part of the conversation where the one person who probably can legitimately "pull rank" on him has done so.
It's speculation from me. But it seems to fit with the facts as I see them, including Sandgaard's unusual level of faith/patience in LB. He sees potential that he wants to harness but results may yet force his hand.
When we beat Rochdale 2-0 a month ago we thought we stopped the rot, so even though we won tonight I’m still feeling the same as I did before we got 3 points tonight, hugely pessimistic and expecting nothing from us against Oxford.
Very relieved we won but a bit disappointed we didn’t win it much more comfortably as that would have really helped the players confidence.
We still have things to work on as when I’m watching us I feel like the midfield doesn’t click with the strikers? Maybe it’s just the way we play, or just my opinion!
I can't say I enjoyed much of that. Washington's running from first to last was immense. He took up good positions in the box as well but the low cross/pull back didn't come in or it was a little too tight. For the first time in weeks a lot of performances were par.
The attitude was right from first to last, we just can't press as a midfield unit. Wanted Smith to snap into the Wigan players sometimes, he could have won the ball if he did. But then I thought and could see him thinking if I don't win the ball they're past me and onto Watson or two passes from a shot. He was the only out right midfielder who looked like he could press, but couldn't do it on his own.
Can't see how anyone wouldn't play Pearce in this league. His communication was top class, his agitation when moving out to the channels when Matthews was up field and caught out was crucial - it might look ugly but he's almost damned with his lack of pace. His heading and clearances were always effective. I'm OK with Oshilaja, I see the defensive problems starting more in midfield, but his lack of height limits the yards he gets on headed clearances.
I just can't see enough defensive energy in that midfield. They're all capable players, they're all willing. None of them have that snap in turnover or secondary ball. If we had one more player like Washington played today, but in central midfield we might make a team.
I thought JFC made a huge difference in midfield. Watson was much better too. The centre backs stood firm. It was not perfect but everyone put in a shift. If everyone in the term works and fights for the team, there is a much better chance of success. More of the same, will give the team a good chance for the next match. One game at a time. Its good to apprectiate the victories.
I’m watching Oxford at the moment thay will beat us Saturday no doubt about it by 2 or 3.
That's it. Stay positive.
That’s ok I will we beat Wigan get real
Can only beat what is in front of you
We've not managed it enough this season so just enjoy it when it happens
I agree.
I’m gonna hold off until 5pm Saturday on my opinion of whether things may have turned a corner.
Yeah undecided if that has happened... Honestly I think this is how the season will ultimately pan out, results will be indifferent with no real form as it has been for large parts of the season.
I just cant see this miraculous run of form happening out of no where when it hasnt happened all season, the team as a whole is too incosistent
I can't say I enjoyed much of that. Washington's running from first to last was immense. He took up good positions in the box as well but the low cross/pull back didn't come in or it was a little too tight. For the first time in weeks a lot of performances were par.
The attitude was right from first to last, we just can't press as a midfield unit. Wanted Smith to snap into the Wigan players sometimes, he could have won the ball if he did. But then I thought and could see him thinking if I don't win the ball they're past me and onto Watson or two passes from a shot. He was the only out right midfielder who looked like he could press, but couldn't do it on his own.
Can't see how anyone wouldn't play Pearce in this league. His communication was top class, his agitation when moving out to the channels when Matthews was up field and caught out was crucial - it might look ugly but he's almost damned with his lack of pace. His heading and clearances were always effective. I'm OK with Oshilaja, I see the defensive problems starting more in midfield, but his lack of height limits the yards he gets on headed clearances.
I just can't see enough defensive energy in that midfield. They're all capable players, they're all willing. None of them have that snap in turnover or secondary ball. If we had one more player like Washington played today, but in central midfield we might make a team.
Lapslie would have been excellent in that midfield.
Very pleased to get three points towards becoming safe from the threat of relegation. That’s the biggest positive for me today. Players put in a shift but we were let’s face it pretty poor. Hoping that it’s a turning point but I’m afraid I really didn’t see much apart from honest effort to make me think it is. Roll over Oxford on Saturday and I’ll be delighted.
Comments
JFC best player on the pitch first half. Famewo my MOM. Would not argue with Pearce though. Best game in a while.
Doesn't mean for a minute that all is right again as until we get two or three results in a row this may very well end up a false dawn and we're back to "Bully" Bowyer Vs "Sensitive" players this time next week but I am trying to focus on the positives as much as possible.
Special mention for Pearce Watson and JFC outstanding tonight ....
Another cert pen not given .. it’s becoming a real joke now
well done boys fully deserved 3 points
Especially beforehand, sounded like he was thinking about what to say a bit more
UP THE ADDICKS!
For the umpteenth time Bowyer instructs Amos to slow it all down as soon as we’re one nil up, prompting a more negative mindset and failing to properly build on a bright start. Yes, we hung on this time, but inviting pressure will, more often than not, lead to a less positive outcome.
On the plus side there were good performances from Pearce and Watson as well as Aneke, Famewo and JF-C, and I thought Smith added composure to the midfield. Needs to get more involved, but perhaps he will with more games under his belt.
On the minus side I’m not sure we troubled the Wigan keeper enough. We put in plenty of crosses but I don’t remember us having any shots on target at all? [Edit: Miller’s effort cleared off the line].
A surprise win at Oxford will further boost confidence, and there’ll suddenly be all to play for, although with three consecutive home matches to follow it might be hard to maintain the momentum.
I think we were well worth the 3 points, and the players, specifically the ones you mentioned battled very hard. But in my opinion we did not look like a good footballing side, we rarely have done since the early parts of the championship season, and a hard fought 1-0 win against bottom of the table pretty much indicates as much.
BUT
He has clearly taken a little slice of humble pie, he has done the right thing in giving the players that day off and taken the pressure off them. They need to be able to relax and express themselves. We saw a better performance today that a confident team would have got the second in but we’re not at that point.
https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lee-bowyer-pays-homage-to-immense-chuks-aneke-after-charlton-triumph-at-wigan/
On the other hand, if part of the problem has been pressure he's been feeling himself or down to his approach, it's not impossible someone DID have a word then but his competitive/perfectionist side made him ignore it and he's since been reminded.
He does talk directly to TS semi-regularly so maybe it's part of the conversation where the one person who probably can legitimately "pull rank" on him has done so.
It's speculation from me. But it seems to fit with the facts as I see them, including Sandgaard's unusual level of faith/patience in LB. He sees potential that he wants to harness but results may yet force his hand.
We still have things to work on as when I’m watching us I feel like the midfield doesn’t click with the strikers? Maybe it’s just the way we play, or just my opinion!
https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/weve-missed-him-lee-bowyer-on-a-welcome-return-to-action-for-jake-forster-caskey/
We've not managed it enough this season so just enjoy it when it happens
The attitude was right from first to last, we just can't press as a midfield unit. Wanted Smith to snap into the Wigan players sometimes, he could have won the ball if he did. But then I thought and could see him thinking if I don't win the ball they're past me and onto Watson or two passes from a shot. He was the only out right midfielder who looked like he could press, but couldn't do it on his own.
Can't see how anyone wouldn't play Pearce in this league. His communication was top class, his agitation when moving out to the channels when Matthews was up field and caught out was crucial - it might look ugly but he's almost damned with his lack of pace. His heading and clearances were always effective. I'm OK with Oshilaja, I see the defensive problems starting more in midfield, but his lack of height limits the yards he gets on headed clearances.
I just can't see enough defensive energy in that midfield. They're all capable players, they're all willing. None of them have that snap in turnover or secondary ball. If we had one more player like Washington played today, but in central midfield we might make a team.
I just cant see this miraculous run of form happening out of no where when it hasnt happened all season, the team as a whole is too incosistent