Too true, FHB. If we played a central midfield of Cousins and Gudmundsson, with Harriott and Moussa/Wilson working the wings, the bullets would (hopefully) be supplied for Vetokele and his partner (Watt?). That's the best I can come up with.
I really like Johnnie Jackson and he has been brilliant for us over a number of years. But he can't seem to keep up with the pace of the Championship anymore. Buyens beside him was also pedestrian and stupidly got himself sent off. What nobody has mentioned was the poor body language of the players. We seemed to chuck in the towel after Buyens was sent off. Wilson from the off didn't look as if he wanted to be there and I can see him leaving in this window. There was also a lot of bickering amongst some of the players. Wilson, Bikey and Ben Haim. It seems that all in the Charlton garden is not rosy.
I agree, Dickp, and it all points to a relegation scrap, and you have to wonder which of our squad are up for it. Roland will probably sack Bob and get another Belgian in on a short-term contract, deja vu.
The only positive I can possibly find is Vetokele may well benefit from a week off. I'd also throw Watt in with him.
I agree but it is the midfield which worries me. No Coq, No Harriott, no Buyens no Bulot. Who is left? Moussa is coming back to fitness but not ready yet. A midfield four of Wilson, Jackson, Cousins and Gudmundson is about the only alternative, apart from throwing kids in. I think next Saturday's game is a pivotal one. If we win it takes a bit of pressure off. If we lose we are in **** street.
The first thing CH will do down there is to unite squad and fans. It helps they go and get a late winner there yesterday in front of 1500 travelling fans. Basically, I'm not looking forward to it.
After an impressive victory at Brentford, Brighton will be looking to turn us over next week. We are ripe for the picking, and Hughton's scouting reports must make for enjoyable reading, especially so early in his tenure. If we get a few players in, we may slowly turn the corner, but if we get a few players AND a new manager with Championship experience, then I think we can still finish the season on a strong note. I don't think either scenario will materialise, though.
You are right Ponders. Hughton's team talk as follows: "Their keeper rolls it out to jittery back 4. Our strikers put pressure on them quick. Ball passed hurriedly forward to their immobile, static midfielders. We win ball everytime. Attack. Goal likely".
This time last year we brought in a midfielder who could hold off a challenge, make space for himself and find someone in space. Our CM's now can't do this . Mind you, I wonder how well Poyet would have done if he'd been stuck out on the left wing?
Cousins must wonder what the hell is going on when he see's the left winger up front and a RB in Solly playing in his favourite position of CM. The last time I saw Solly there prior to this season was a 10 minute cameo against Orient away when he actually scored in the last minute.
