I was thoroughly entertained. I never dreamed we'd be capable of playing that brand of football on that pitch with so many new and inexperienced faces in the line up. Only trouble now is that my expectation levels have increased tenfold, and where my beloved Charlton Athletic are concerned that usually leads to disappointment.
For me the main reason we played a better brand of football than usual (as far as the penalty box) was Diego Poyet. He simply refused to hoof the ball, and most of our attacks stemmed from him. Anyone would think he'd been coached by his Dad! Franco's thread is fair comment. I left the ground angry at having to listen, yet again, to the away fans celebrating, but we did play the type of passing game I want to see. I was also pretty hacked off having to watch Sordell for so much of the game. And I thought that while he was on Jacko had his work cut out keeping an eye on Evina, who Sir Chris went to so much trouble to re-sign in the summer. So keep posting, Franco, I like to read threads where fans tell it as they see it, rather than shoot each other down in flames. It'a a more interesting read.
Totally agree, in fact I noticed on two occasions he tried to clear his lines in his own penalty area he completely mis-hit it. I joked with my mate who had taken one of my free vouchers that he doesnt know to kick the ball long! I, like quote a few others on here, felt entertained on Saturday. Very rarely would Morrison and Wood have the ball and go long and it was so pleasing to see a Charlton team pass the ball so well on such a bog of a pitch. As FHB rightly points out the catalyst in my opinion was Poyet. Always looking for the next pass and kept the ball moving quickly. Ok, we struggled with a cutting edge in the final third but we created enough openings and fingers crossed this will come over time (admittedly, we need it sooner rather than later). Reza looked a handful and made some very intelligent runs, shocking dive but will win us the odd penalty moving forward. The Asteroid looks a real good creative spark, was particularly impressed with his vision to put Cousins in during the first half when most other players would have pulled the trigger. He is a bit of a luxury when we havent got the ball.
Would it be too soon to play Cousins and Poyet together in the middle of the park? They both seem so comfortable with Championship football, so why not give them the chance to shine at Wednesday (on Saturday), eh? The Asteroid can play on the left, with Wilson on the right, and Reza and Polish Pete up front. I'd be excited with that midfield and attack.
Nope... I wouldn't normally be an advocate for throwing two young inexperienced players into the heart of our midfield. I've said before how I feel that a young players confidence is every bit as important as their ability when they're finding their way in the game. The last thing any of us want to see is a repeat of Joe Piggott's capitulation against Millwall. However, drastic times call for drastic measures, so why not. It looks to me as if both Poyet & Cousins have the right temperament to deal with the pressure. Also, the fact that they'll be in it together will help them both. I can't see Powell going for it though due to a real lack of experience. One other thing that frightens the absolute life out of me is Ajdarevic playing in front of Evina...!! Wiggins yes, Evina NOOOOOOOOO...!!
Sadly CP now has to adapt his style and formation to fit with the players that he has been given. All of these coaching courses that we hear about will be telling him what he needs to be doing now. The midfield is completely wrong, that's what I've gotten from the last couple of games. If we wants to insist on playing CM's out on the wing then he needs strikers who are happy to drop back and run the channels to support them and keep the ball moving forward. Church would be better for this IMO and anticipate him returning in place of Sordell if he continues to hover around - though I'd prefer a new right and left sided winger coming in on loan so we can try and get the ball to Sordell and Gucci in more menacing positions.
Without doubt, Ajdarevic shone on the ball on Saturday, but without it he left Evina horribly exposed. Evina was terrible on the day but was not helped out by the poor defensive cover given by Adjarevic. Once every one is back and fighting fit, I honestly believe this team could get us out of trouble. It is inexperienced in the middle of the park but they are our best options in there. Nego in to accomodate Wilson at RM is far more vital than playing Wilson at RB to accomodate Jackson whos legs have gone, as much as it breaks my heart to say it. Hamer Nego Morrison Wood Wiggins Wilson Cousins Poyet Adjarevic Reza 'Polish Pete'
We really need him in and around the box. Sadly with our possession he is far too deep in a bid to remain on side. There is no doubt he can finish, but seems to not possess much more in his locker - so having him on the pitch is often redundant. If we could find the balance in the midfield to get forward without him being involved in the link up , it would only then play to our advantage.
No, I've had enough of Sordell. He doesn't make the effort to get into dangerous positions, wants the opportunity set up on a plate. In an earlier post A4L pointed out a couple of times when with a bit of effort he might have posed a threat but preferred to be a mere observer. I noticed them too. Now that there are other options Sir Chris doesn't have to play him.
This looks good to me Thurrock. Deffo happier with Ajdarevic in front of Wiggins. In an ideal world I'd prefer to see Adjarevic in a more advanced central position where he can hurt the opposition threading balls through and drawing fouls in dangerous areas. Only trouble being that he appears to be such a luxury without the ball that to accommodating him in this role would mean we'd need to deploy a 5 man midfield. Maybe...: Hamer Morro Dervite Wood Wilson Cousins Poyet Wiggins Adjarevic Reza Pete I dunno, 3-5-2 has been very hit and miss for us. Your 4-4-2 with maybe Adjarevic pushing forward in behind Reza and Pete, with Wilson tucking in to make a 3 man central midfield. Only trouble with that could be a lack of width. Who knows, maybe Nego and Wiggins could get forward to provide this. Who'd be a football manager ay...? The only 'Menacing Position' I want to see Sordell in is the bottom of the Thames with a pair of lead bots on (or the boots he normally uses to 'play' in would probably do to be fair, they appear to be made out of lead anyway).
I stand corrected Franco, I like your idea of deploying Adjarevic 'in the whole' as part of a five man midfield. Wilson and Wiggins have good enough engines to play as wing backs. This also means playing Dervite instead of Nego who is far more up to speed with the demands of the championship. In the event that CP is sacked, I will stand aside, the job is yours!
... No thanks Thurrock, I have a far easier job that pays well without half as much stress. At the end of the day It's different strokes for different folks, and often what looks good on paper/computer screen looks s**t on grass.
@ Leaburns Legs You have missed my point. It is possible both to show passion for your club AND boo the failing team/manager. Takes all sorts. Agree with the above line up. Lack of width again a chronic problem on Saturday and nobody to run in behind. I have run out of words for Dizzy Rascal Sordell but his unwillingness to even jump for the ball marked a new low point.
I see you have crawled down here to wum and found your level TC now that the mighty Foxes are flying high. Lol Enjoying your season I hope!
