Charlton Athletic v Fleetwood Town | Tuesday 3rd November 2020 | Post Match thread

killerandflash said:

We're definitely top 6, where we rank against Posh, Ipswich, Sunderland, Hull and maybe Pompey and Doncaster remains to be seen

When we played them we were Equal to Sunderland, worse than Donny, better than Pompey. Only Pompey came after the window, so I'm confident. 

Ipswich, Posh & Hull TBC

MuttleyCAFC said:

We have the best squad of players in the League. We have the best individual players in many positions. I don't understand why people can't see that. Not only those being negative about our prospects but those setting incredibly low targets as being a success. I am expecting Play -offs as a minimum, but automatic as very possible.

@MuttleyCAFC you've been around long enough to know that the only certainty with Charlton is unpredictability. Nothing is straightforward and there is inevitably a twist in the tail.

I agree with you, on paper, we are well placed to launch a promotion challenge but Charlton players pick up longterm injuries like politicians pick up dodgy expenses.

Then there are the inevitable January traumas to come be it transfers or key loan recalls by parent clubs.

We've seen it all before and that is why old lags like me will look at where we are after 30 games rather than just 10 before getting too carried away.

That said I am certainly intending to enjoy the ride while it is going well.

Dazzler21 said:

killerandflash said:

We're definitely top 6, where we rank against Posh, Ipswich, Sunderland, Hull and maybe Pompey and Doncaster remains to be seen

When we played them we were Equal to Sunderland, worse than Donny, better than Pompey. Only Pompey came after the window, so I'm confident. 

Ipswich, Posh & Hull TBC

Our team has changed significantly since we played Donny. Sunderland were better than us, but again we've significantly improved since then. We beat Pompey, but that doesn't mean by itself that we will finish ahead of them as they're winning plenty of matches

A lot can change between now and spring, losses of form, injuries, transfers in and out. I expect the playoffs as a minimum, and think we have a decent chance of automatic, but it will be a long slog

FishCostaFortune said:

balham red said:

Can anyone tell me what the starting formation was?

Flat 4-4-2

             Amos
Gunter Innis Pratley Purrington
Morgan Watson Shinnie Maatsen
     Washington Bogle

Maatsen is obviously more than capable at left back but I think, at this level at least, he's more suited to midfield.

I did say, after the first four games when many were moaning, wait until we have played 10 games and see where we are

Not had a chance to catch up with the thread, but what a cracking game that was. In terms of the overall quality of the contest, it was certainly a level above anything else I’ve seen involving us this season.

An excellent first half hour and, thereafter, the lads showed a lot of character to recover from the gut-punch of conceding two goals in a minute. We have got a lot of leaders in the side and some real quality as well.

Fleetwood certainly played their part in a very entertaining game and I was impressed with their two midfield veterans, Whelan and Duffy, whilst the way Evans controlled the ball for his first goal was sublime. However, Barton’s assertion that they were the better side is wide of the mark. Defending your goal is a key part of the game and, in that respect, Fleetwood were happily found wanting.

Overall, a fine team performance from Charlton and I thought that Maatsen and Washington were particularly impressive. The squad is looking very good and I am still a little dumbfounded that we managed to get players of the quality of Gunter and Matthews on board. It’s early days but we are going to get better as fitness levels and combination play improve and the team also seems to have that element of nous and edge that all successful sides need.

With the Rochdale game postponed, there is now a much needed 18 day break for the lads until our short trip down the line to Gillingham on 21 Nov. A chance to get players like Maddison, Gilbey and Pearce fit and to put in some serious time at Sparrow’s Lane. Bowyer will doubtless play youngsters and fringe players in the FA Cup and the EFL - aka the Papa Doc Pizza Cup, which we’re already out of anyway. Some important game time for Maynard-Brewer, Levitt and some of the other youngsters, as well perhaps some minutes for Maddison off the bench. Happy days.

Covered End said:

I've not seen anyone comment, but the way that Ched Evans "caught" the ball on his foot, wrong footing Inniss before scoring the first goal was sublime.

Yeah, spot on. I said to my son that it was Mendoncaesque.

killerandflash said:

We're definitely top 6, where we rank against Posh, Ipswich, Sunderland, Hull and maybe Pompey and Doncaster remains to be seen

With the risk of eating my words & not trying to sound too arrogant about us.

We always do better than Posh, they are good early starters as always but then fade, I don't see it being any different this season and reckon we will get at least 4 points Vs them. We have Pompey's number, big time, no concern at all. Doncaster we will beat when we play them again, they played us at our worst and we saw them at their very best.

The other 3 however do concern me, Ipswich seem solid, despite what their fans say Lambert is a good manager and will always eventually get results, especially at this level of football, will be a tough game Vs them. Hull have some quality and a manager that knows us well, as for Sunderland simply put, I think we owe them one after Wembley.

I would say we are guaranteed play offs, top2 is quite open though, Plymouth and Lincoln are 2 sides not mentioned who will be right up there, obviously Fleetwood as well 

cafcfan1990 said:

MuttleyCAFC said:

cafcfan1990 said:

MuttleyCAFC said:

We have the best squad of players in the League. We have the best individual players in many positions. I don't understand why people can't see that. Not only those being negative about our prospects but those setting incredibly low targets as being a success. I am expecting Play -offs as a minimum, but automatic as very possible.

Very few people on here have detailed knowledge of League 1 players/squads, including you I expect. It's too early to simply say we have the best squad including individual players. 

We've had lots of positives so far, including 'unknowns' such as Maatsen, Inniss and Famewo. But it's a long old season so time will tell. 

We have watched enough League One football to gauge the level in recent years. Yes it will differ a bit from one season until the next, but I think I have a pretty good idea what the level is. As I imagine quite a few others will have.

Absolutely. But how does that fit with “we have the best individuals in many positions”. 

Cant see how there’s any substance behind saying we have the best squad in the league, not at the moment. 

Using the same principle and knowing what players are well above the level. Alongside knowing who most of the best League One players are.

I think we know enough, but we can agree to disagree. Of course there may be players that stand out that come to light. But we have an idea of the level from extensive experience of the level and we can gauge our players and the players from opponents we see against that level.

Just had a look at our run in for the last 6 weeks of the season, during April and May.
Those of faint disposition may want to look away!

Apart from Accrington away, we play all the current top 9 (except Portsmouth).

A whole sequence of nail biting 6-pointers. 

blackpool72 said:

Oggy Red said:

Just had a look at our run in for the last 6 weeks of the season, during April and May.
Those of faint disposition may want to look away!

Apart from Accrington away, we play all the current top 9 (except Portsmouth).

A whole sequence of nail biting 6-pointers. 

We will be about 12 points clear at the top by the time we play these games.
Nothing to worry about. 

Always got PPG to rely on after racking up a huge points total before we play our promotion rivals. 

Ched Evans has been sacked by Fleetwood due to discipline and behaviour issues.

Performance at The Valley was probably best showing of the season so far.