That will be the acid test, TVR - seeing how we respond on Saturday. The team did get stuck in last night, and Wednesday were very physical, but the best players will rise above and stand out from the skirmish. We could have stretched the game last night but failed to find any fluidity with the passing. Last night will stand us in good stead, though.
I think Stephens will be dropped for Exeter, just surprised only me and MT saw something different from his game. I was pleasantly surprised to see his rough edge game as a question about him was would he survive the winter months. Thought he did a job myself.
He did some good things Stephens, however he only added half of what Pritchard may have, we'll never know now anyway. I thought Hollands was absolutely superb last night, if he'd had more creative support (Stephens fault or not) we could have grabbed control of the game back. Biggest loss was Green, suddenly noticed the out ball and supply level drop, sadly again Waggys endeavour was not enough to really contribute when needed
Super, are you sure you were watching the same game as me??? I was watching Charlton (in red) against Sheff Wed (in blue and white) where, other than Hollands doing his best, Wednesday had almost total command of the midfied (especially in the second half) because our other midfielder was missing in action. Stephens plays No 8 doesn't he? Can't remember a single pass of his in the second half.
You knew it wasn't his night early in the 2nd half when Jackson centred it for him with all the space and time in the world, he then completely miscontrolled it under now pressure and then badly misplaced a poor and rushed pass. It wasn't his night to have an impact
What happens if Pritchard plays and he has an ineffective game? Will he too be lambasted and then have the unfair comparison that Alonso should have played instead of him? Hindsight and all that...
I'll be surprised if he drops Stephens for Exeter. Sure he wasn't at his best, but dropping a player after the first bad game wont do much to keep the confidence within the team. The last thing we need is players running out there frightened to put a foot wrong knowing they might be replaced. What he should have done however is given Pritchard 20 minutes or so to see if he could help our midfield get a foothold in the match. Though with all the long balls being hoofed up top, the back line didn't give the midfielders much to work with.
I honestly don't think Stephens had a bad game at all other than that poor miss. I think people are just using him as a scapegoat because he's the one players whose mistake stood out. As good as Pritchard was against Reading (and Welling, Den Bosch etc) he isn't the same standard as Stephens, and he is ineffective in the air, something which would clearly be exploited by teams. Are we sure Alonso exists?
Pritchard could have come on for Wagstaff, Stephens, Hayes or even Wiggins with JJ droppin back. But he should have come on.
To be honest without Green on the bench, we didn't have any 'game changing' players ready to come on. Yes Jason Euell can get goals, but he has to be on the pitch for a while before he gets them. Pritchard in my honest opinion isn't quite up to being an impact player, especially considering he's about 5 foot 4 and we were playing hoof-ball.
We will never know if Pritchard could have added something because he never got the chance. At 1-1 and plodding, changes needed to be made. Perhaps sticking Waggy behind the front two and playing three across the middle would have worked better? What is the point in playing wide-men if the ball is just going through the middle and gathering moths in the air?
What about me..I may be offended. Though you may be right I`m easily pleased and you are never pleased glass half full half empty syndrome
Ha! You are right, Mike. I strive for perfection at all times - so imagine my frustration at supporting Charlton all these years? It is a syndrome, you are quite right. Sorry for offending you.
I can indeed Mike - it's a haven of harmonious and stimulating banter tonight. I was even thinking of taking Acworth of my prat list, but sense prevailed at the last minute...
