Interesting statistic from the OS: Charlton were most vulnerable in the final half hour of games, conceding 30 of their 58 goals after 61 minutes have elapsed That is quite significant. Over too many matches to be a statistical blip. It means we concede goals at over double the rate in the last third compared with the previous two thirds. Why? Could be poor physical preparation, but I am guessing not. I would suggest two reasons: (1) Poor use or non-use of substitutes. (2) We have a number of "faders" in our squad. Jackson, Hughes, Fuller, Haynes through fitness. Harriott because he is still only a youth. Pritchard because he runs about like a maniac from kick-off. (To give him credit he is still running as hard at 90 minutes but his quality has dropped). Stephens has never looked robust. Because of lack of effective wingers Solly and Wiggins have to overlap all game which must be very tiring. Obviously points (1) and (2) are related.
I was looking for this on the OS but couldn't find it. I wonder how we compare with other teams in this respect. I also wonder whether we improved in the later stages of the season , when CP's use of substitutes improved.
Yes, we really need to see how many goals are scored in the final third generally. On one hand you might think more, because defences lose concentration when tired. On the other hand teams that have a lead usually try to play more defensively and shut up shop. The article is here, Billy: http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/20130524-stats-834480.aspx It also states that nine goals were scored in added time, only two by us and seven against. I reckon some of those were because of CP's tactic of bringing on more defenders, often a third centre-back. Many closing periods of games were played almost entirely in our own half. Something has got to give when you do that. But was he led to do it because of legs had gone, or through choice?
If I remember right we conceded two goals in stoppage time against Cardiff, when we had TWO additional CB's on. I think it was more a mental than physical thing, because we seemed to drop back off our opponents as soon as we went into the lead. I'd say this aspect of our play improved towards the end of the season.
