Not bad for a League 2 squad. Sad though that Dobson will have to retire after getting mugged off so badly for their goal. He will not want to see that again
I would love to sit in on a Garner training session because to get league one players playing that type of football is a masterclass.
So much confidence, movement, intelligence with the ball was a delight.
Sean Clare looked an upper level Champ right back and that would have been laughable last season. No more out your feet and clip it down the line, actual thought behind where the next 2 passes will go let alone what’s in front of him.
So many superb individual performances but when it comes together like that it’s tucking awesome.
Plymouth are no mugs and I don’t expect 46 performances like that but we have set a very high bar and I can’t wait to see where we go from here.
It's all in the head.
Of course you do the repeating drills, probably no different to the ones Bowyer, Adkins, Jackson etc layed out. League 1 coaches don't teach players to pass, cross, shoot etc. If they can't do that they wouldn't be in a league 1 team in the first place.
Also against popular opinion they don't teach players new positions. They give role definitions and tactical instructions that change game to game.
Ben Garner is one of the best coaches in the game. I spoke to someone recently that said the only question mark is man managing under pressure because he hasn't proved that, as a coach he is top notch. They heard that from a premier league player.
Final thought from me before I go to bed happy. I have to say that both Inniss and O’Connell are going to have to keep playing at a high level to keep Lavelle out the team.
He’s looked very very unflustered and tidy to me in all the fixtures he’s been in since pre season started.
As the person who said Clare would be an excellent attacking RB because of his great running ability at the end of last season, Jaden Stockley is my witness ! I claim an assist for that superb strike.
That was Albie Morgan best ever game in a Charlton shirt, his short and long passing were excellent. Possession means nothing without tempo to play killer passes. So pleased the 3 up front is beginning to work with both Kirk and Rak Sakyi getting into the box. CBT did the same to score recently.
You can definitely see Charlie Kirk is better when he has a left footed Over lapping LB as it gives him two options.
Corey Blackett-Taylor will be desperate to show what he can do and so will Stephen Sessegnon. At last, the players are developing together and with 1 or two additions to the squad we look competitive.
The Plymouth goal was the kick up the arse the team needed as we just had a quiet period before we went for the Jugular again.
This team has, without doubt, the makings of a promotion side. I appreciate that there is a long, long way to go, but at this stage it's all about momentum and building confidence. A win over Cambridge is a must.
I almost can't believe how good that was. The penalty/red obviously changed the game a bit, it came just as Plymouth were having a good spell. We were still lacking dangerous but I had literally just sent a text saying we need HT. I then didn't want the half to end. Football eh?
Superb performances throughout. Clayden again had a couple of moments where he was nowhere in defence but looked assured for the majority of the match and he is perfect for Kirk as an attacking outlet. I'd still say they have obvious defensive weaknesses but could grow as a partnership. Kirk was superb, some great balls into the box, one or two with his left and I was buzzing when he got his deserved goal. Stockley led the line superbly, some really nice play and puts himself about. JRS is so exciting, missed a great chance but if that's a debut I'm so excited to see him progress. Defence didn't have loads to do and the goal was pretty poor but otherwise were solid enough.
Special mention to Clare. The bloke is a RB. I saw him for Oxford against us and was impressed years ago so not surprised now.
MOTM by a country mile was Albie Morgan. A goal away from a 10 out of 10 performance. So pleased for him. He's not the finished article yet as he's struggled for consistency before but also has never dominated a match like that from kick off. Hats off to the bloke who has played under so many managers, adapting his game for them. Really hope we start to see the talent we all knew he had when he burst onto the scene 4 years ago. Unbelievable performance.
As I often do I sat behind the home dugout. It’s always interesting to watch the manager and how he influences the game from the sideline.
What stood out was how calm it was (even Innis). There was no haranguing of the ref or fourth official. Players were encouraged and there was very little micro management going on. It was particularly interesting in the second half to see how much Garner cajoled and encouraged Kirk. It was a smart move to keep him on for the whole game - the second half allowed him a lot of the ball and it must have been tempting to throw CBT on with the oppositions down to ten men. He can only have gained confidence from how he played and the goal he scored.
Clare was excellent. He struck up a good understanding with Rak Sakyi who was also very exciting to watch and played the simple pass when needed.
The other standout for me was Morgan. I liked how he took responsibility today, he wanted the ball and wanted to dictate the game.
The only slight disappointment was Fraser. I don’t think he was at the level of Morgan or a slightly subdued Dobson in midfield. There’s a player there for sure but he needs to do a little more on the ball.
Anyway, there are the makings of a very decent team, squad and management team developing. Hopefully exciting times ahead.
Very interesting view, thanks for sharing. I do, like you, enjoy being close to the dug out to hear what’s going on on the bench - though find it so hard to follow the game from there!
I mentioned this about Fraser during the match, I think a lot of people are going to look at him and think he does nothing or is under performing because he’s not an all action player like some of our others.
However for me he’s been the exact sort of player we have been missing in the middle of the park for years. He really keeps things ticking over, and allows other players to flourish. Garner and the coaching staff will have access to his stats etc, but if he continues to keep Payne and McGrandles out the team it will be because he is doing his job well.
Good point about Fraser. I think the player he'll most resemble in terms of fan response will be Stephens. Easily forgotten now he's had a decent Premier League career but he wasn't always that well regarded in our 2011/12 season. Plenty didn't see what he brought, and there were more than a few who reckoned we were better with Hughes alongside Hollands because of the all-action approach he brought. In reality Stephens was knitting things together quietly even if he did drop a bit too deep at that early stage in his career. I think we all expected a certain type of performance from Fraser based on MK Dons but under Garner he's clearly there to take care of the ball while Albie rakes the passes around, Payne drives and Dobson tidies. There's a lot of options in our midfield but I think Fraser will be the one Garner almost always plays
Pleeeeaase can those Stockley nay-sayers eat that delicious Stockers-flavoured humble pie and apologise??
He was superb all over the pitch!
Except where it matters but yes he had a good game.
On another day there going in..he had a good game and opened his account whilst his team mates took the pressure off him by chipping in.
Imagine the pressure will ease and he will get a few more. Important thing is he was in the right position to score and balls were being sent into the box.
What a way to bounce back after last weekend. Glad Kirk is off the mark, hopefully he can kick on from here. Leaburn getting a goal just capped off what was a brilliant home performance.
After a crap day because of Olly's leaving we go and put in a fine all round performance like that.
I said these two home games would be the real indicator for the season and so far, so good.
Having been at the other end the handball wasn't clear but just seen it on Sky and its a pen and a red all night long. Kirk's shot was going it and the guy stuck his arm out.
But we were the better side before then and cruised it after.
Morgan MOTM although not sure he's a right back. What was Garner's thinking there?
JRS will rip teams apart in this division given support. He should have got one or two more but favoured shooting with his left it seemed.
Kirk also had chances but very pleased for him when he scored.
Stockley had a good game. How he needs to bury a header sooner rather than later but a goal and an assist tonight.
Leaburn now top scorer.
Clare, Dobson, Fraser, Payne all did well and Clayden defended well v 11 and got forward well v 10.
No Sessegnon, Innis (until the game was over), CBT and we still won.
Hope Clare is OK.
Aneke broken down again so yes we still need another striker but we can score goals and Garnerball is here
Win Saturday and we're top six (we are already I know) and more importantly we're on two points per game which is promotion form.
I still wish Olly had been reporting on the game and not been stupidly, harshly and unnecessarily "made redundant" but we support OUR CLUB and OUR TEAM despite owners, not because of them.
You could tell from the first minute we were properly "at it" this evening. Not sure what Plymouth were expecting, but they certainly couldn't cope with the fluid passing and movement in front of the ball.
Have to agree with Richard Cawley when he said he first assessment of Rak-Sayki was that he was too good for league one. That kid is going to be one hell of a player. Genunuiely excited to see how he will play once he is fully up to speed.
I am increasingly developing a man crush on Garner. Its so impressive how he has got his style instilled so quickly. Compare what we saw tonight with some of the dross served up last season? Like day and night. I have said it before on here, but Garner interviews really well. He seesm very level headed and is clearly an intelligent articulate guy, you have to think that is probaby why he able to get his points across to the players so well.
Special mentions for Stockley, Kirk and Fraser. Thought all 3 went up a level tonight. Seen a few negatives towards Fraser, but I personally thought he played really well and liked up play brilliantly. Also like the fact that O'Connell has improved significantly over teh last two weeks.
I have been the harshest critic of Morgan and was sick and tired of him being given chance after chance and not taking them. Garner looks like he will get the best out of him. Lets hope he can maintain this form.
As Curbs said in the studio, it was nice to see players come off the bench and genuinely influence the game. Payne was good, McGrandles far better than he has been so far and Leaburn is going to be a great asset. Hope we can hang on to him and that we get to see his progress. He has all the attributes to be a massively successful footballer.
I just hope we can move on players who clearly aren't in Garner's plans (Gilbey and JFC) and strengthen in the areas we are short - a striker and and left sided defender (cb and fb ideally). The fact we have been able to rest Sessengon, CBT and Innis suggests we are there or there abouts with the squad depth.
Shame there were so few there to see it, but tbh in a time where we are facing a cost of living crisis, those ticket prices are insanely high.
The news that Olly Groome got fired today has really taken the positive edge off this result for me. One of the few employees who has stayed in credit with the fans over the past bad years. If Sandgaard really needs to save Groome's wages there really can be no money in the kitty. Sandgaard appears to be what they call in Texas all hat and no cattle.
Wow. So as I mentioned in the preview, it was my first game with both of my daughters since 2009. For those of you with young children, hang on in there - it’s so much better when they’re in their 20s. Had such a laugh in the pub that I was thinking okay, never mind what happens in the game, I’ve had a lovely evening.
It turns out we have the best team currently in world football. What a performance. I don’t care about the penalty and sending off. Garner has got them playing some really lovely stuff. Sean Clare’s goal was a magical moment, as was Miles’s goal.
The two of us who have been to hundreds of games were trying to talk the 20 year old down and saying that it’s not always like that, but she wasn’t having it, going so far as to shout, ‘I just love football!’
Comments
Where did you find the stats from?
Of course you do the repeating drills, probably no different to the ones Bowyer, Adkins, Jackson etc layed out. League 1 coaches don't teach players to pass, cross, shoot etc. If they can't do that they wouldn't be in a league 1 team in the first place.
Also against popular opinion they don't teach players new positions. They give role definitions and tactical instructions that change game to game.
Ben Garner is one of the best coaches in the game. I spoke to someone recently that said the only question mark is man managing under pressure because he hasn't proved that, as a coach he is top notch. They heard that from a premier league player.
He was superb all over the pitch!
Stockley ❤️
Jaden Stockley is my witness ! I claim an assist for that superb strike.
That was Albie Morgan best ever game in a Charlton shirt, his short and long passing were excellent. Possession means nothing without tempo to play killer passes. So pleased the 3 up front is beginning to work with both Kirk and Rak Sakyi getting into the box. CBT did the same to score recently.
You can definitely see Charlie Kirk is better when he has a left footed Over lapping LB as it gives him two options.
Corey Blackett-Taylor will be desperate to show what he can do and so will Stephen Sessegnon. At last, the players are developing together and with 1 or two additions to the squad we look competitive.
The Plymouth goal was the kick up the arse the team needed as we just had a quiet period before we went for the Jugular again.
Good night's work by Ben and the boys.
Getting the numbers from the SofaScore app.
"Aw Mum. I know you're proud of me, but I'm 18, I'm at work, you're gonna have to let go some time".
Superb performances throughout. Clayden again had a couple of moments where he was nowhere in defence but looked assured for the majority of the match and he is perfect for Kirk as an attacking outlet. I'd still say they have obvious defensive weaknesses but could grow as a partnership. Kirk was superb, some great balls into the box, one or two with his left and I was buzzing when he got his deserved goal. Stockley led the line superbly, some really nice play and puts himself about. JRS is so exciting, missed a great chance but if that's a debut I'm so excited to see him progress. Defence didn't have loads to do and the goal was pretty poor but otherwise were solid enough.
Special mention to Clare. The bloke is a RB. I saw him for Oxford against us and was impressed years ago so not surprised now.
MOTM by a country mile was Albie Morgan. A goal away from a 10 out of 10 performance. So pleased for him. He's not the finished article yet as he's struggled for consistency before but also has never dominated a match like that from kick off. Hats off to the bloke who has played under so many managers, adapting his game for them. Really hope we start to see the talent we all knew he had when he burst onto the scene 4 years ago. Unbelievable performance.
Imagine the pressure will ease and he will get a few more. Important thing is he was in the right position to score and balls were being sent into the box.
I said these two home games would be the real indicator for the season and so far, so good.
Having been at the other end the handball wasn't clear but just seen it on Sky and its a pen and a red all night long. Kirk's shot was going it and the guy stuck his arm out.
But we were the better side before then and cruised it after.
Morgan MOTM although not sure he's a right back. What was Garner's thinking there?
JRS will rip teams apart in this division given support. He should have got one or two more but favoured shooting with his left it seemed.
Kirk also had chances but very pleased for him when he scored.
Stockley had a good game. How he needs to bury a header sooner rather than later but a goal and an assist tonight.
Leaburn now top scorer.
Clare, Dobson, Fraser, Payne all did well and Clayden defended well v 11 and got forward well v 10.
No Sessegnon, Innis (until the game was over), CBT and we still won.
Hope Clare is OK.
Aneke broken down again so yes we still need another striker but we can score goals and Garnerball is here
Win Saturday and we're top six (we are already I know) and more importantly we're on two points per game which is promotion form.
I still wish Olly had been reporting on the game and not been stupidly, harshly and unnecessarily "made redundant" but we support OUR CLUB and OUR TEAM despite owners, not because of them.
Have to agree with Richard Cawley when he said he first assessment of Rak-Sayki was that he was too good for league one. That kid is going to be one hell of a player. Genunuiely excited to see how he will play once he is fully up to speed.
I am increasingly developing a man crush on Garner. Its so impressive how he has got his style instilled so quickly. Compare what we saw tonight with some of the dross served up last season? Like day and night. I have said it before on here, but Garner interviews really well. He seesm very level headed and is clearly an intelligent articulate guy, you have to think that is probaby why he able to get his points across to the players so well.
Special mentions for Stockley, Kirk and Fraser. Thought all 3 went up a level tonight. Seen a few negatives towards Fraser, but I personally thought he played really well and liked up play brilliantly. Also like the fact that O'Connell has improved significantly over teh last two weeks.
I have been the harshest critic of Morgan and was sick and tired of him being given chance after chance and not taking them. Garner looks like he will get the best out of him. Lets hope he can maintain this form.
As Curbs said in the studio, it was nice to see players come off the bench and genuinely influence the game. Payne was good, McGrandles far better than he has been so far and Leaburn is going to be a great asset. Hope we can hang on to him and that we get to see his progress. He has all the attributes to be a massively successful footballer.
I just hope we can move on players who clearly aren't in Garner's plans (Gilbey and JFC) and strengthen in the areas we are short - a striker and and left sided defender (cb and fb ideally). The fact we have been able to rest Sessengon, CBT and Innis suggests we are there or there abouts with the squad depth.
Shame there were so few there to see it, but tbh in a time where we are facing a cost of living crisis, those ticket prices are insanely high.
Top 2 display tonight, best since we beat Forest in The Championship.
Meant McGrandles and Payne could get mins, while Clare taken off as a precaution (I hope).