Charlton v Gillingham- Post Match Views

PWR. At the game.

Belik bursts ball shocker.
It was funny that the referee gave a free kick for the new offence of tread ball, especially as he gave it the wrong way in Belik's favour. The ball should have got a yellow card, but was sent off later in the game anyway, and the referee ended up booking Belik later in the game for what I think must have been ball abuse. Belik was pretty storming throughout, although not quite MoM as there were a cluster of contenders.
OK. Gillingham were better than Wimbledon I grant them that, but for all their set pieces, they tamely hit aa post early on when the ref missed a foul on Steer, but for all their set pieces throughout the game Steer and our defence were not troubled, indeed I don't think Steer had to make a save.
Gillingham put me in mind of one of those talent show contestants, who stride on, all glitter and costume, talking themselves up, getting their set pieces and such like, but then ending up singing dreadfully out of tune. Maybe all they have is their goalscorer, and without him none of the rest of their players seemed to have any presence at all. The best Gillingham bit was when their keeper came out to meet the ball and slalomed a couple of our players.
Being the better team and deserving to win are phrases that ought generally to be treated with some caution, but we were several levels better that Gillingham today, and were classy in all areas (except one player sadly). Steer untroubled, Djiksteel, Bauer and the immense Pearce, were a barrier the like of which Trump can only dream of for his Mexican wall.
Then there is Solly. Today out of position yet again we had vintage timeless Solly. He plays with an unrushed class, and a demeanour that is almost designed to hide how good a footballer he is. But we can see it, we have seen it for years, when his playing days are over fans will remember Chris Solly with a smile of admiration and a nod of respect. My MoM today.
Which of course is harsh on Fosu who made one, and scored a beauty. In addition he was clever, as all the midfield were in adaptability, mini positional changes, awareness of team mates and sheer class. At times in small spaces and pressured moments this afternoon the midfielders and others played with the kind of telepathic knowledge of where each other was, the understanding you see at a higher level. As a result we frankly blew the opposition away without extending ourselves, and preserving some energy for the busy period to come.
Reeves scored and today he was closer to the best he can do over a sustained period, Belik ball bursting bullish, Aribo balletic as usual, but so intelligent in his play, and Fosu was much more the old unplayable Fosu of last season, he also managed to hit the keeper, bar, post and line with one first half shot so it seemed to me.
Up front Taylor was everything you'd want. When did we last have a player who was so sheerly entertaining as Taylor? The bit where he positioned first their keeper then their defender just ahead of a corner was a mini classic Taylor moment to add to the already huge collection.
Ajose has to play instead of Grant, but he doesn't have to miss gilt-edged chances seeing as how he thinks of himself as a goalscorer. Judging by his body language he doesn't think as much of his team mates as he does of himself. Ajose is a decent enough reserve, but a reserve he remains. Ajose must realise it is up to he himself to take responsibility for his game and the team result, perhaps he could watch videos of Jason Pearce to see what is expected.
All the subs did OK, I actually thought Pratley was fouled for a pen late on with pulling back, but the same lino also missed a Gillingham player undressing Jason Pearce in the box when we had a corner.
Three lovely point bringing us to 43 at the half way point of the season. It is an astonishing achievement for Bow and Jacko.
The fun fact is that effectively Bowyer is the first manager of this Duchatelet era since Powell who was not appointed by this regime. In our history we have often done surprisingly well with 'accidental' managers, I give you Lennie, and Curbs and Gritty, and certainly the underrated Foley as well.
It will be a nice Christmas day this year to be a Charlton fan.