Just like to add that we now only have to play Peterborough and Doncaster out of the teams challenging at the top, away from home. Peterborough are not very good at home and have lost a few times to teams nearer the bottom. Doncaster I think might just fall away.
At home we have Portsmouth and Luton to play, and to be honest, I fancy our chances against anyone in this league at home. We got absolutely robbed against Peterborough and it was a late collapse back in the beginning of October against Coventry the only two we have lost.
What I am trying to say is, with these games and players coming back to fitness hopefully soon, as well as the players we are going to bring in, added to the fact that hopefully a takeover is around the corner... if we all stick together, drive this team on, we could really give ourselves a cracking chance of success for these remaining 19 games.
The most absorbing, evenly fought and competitive game I've been at this season and that includes premier league and championship games .. two good teams in a well refereed game giving 100% for 90 minutes. Nip and tuck, tuck and nip. A few fouls and yellow cards but nothing at all out of order or done with vicious intent. All the attributes that make watching football such a terrific experience, more of it please.
We've gone from conceding late late goals to getting off to snail slow starts and conceding in the first few minutes .. criticism first .. we need to get cracking from the off and to concentrate from the first whistle. That's that. Sunderland had done their homework and concentrated on attacking down our right flank. This caused us all sorts of grief in the first half but we (especially Dijksteel who got better the longer the game went on) just got better and better, they all buckled down and refused to yield under some heavy pressure, especially when attacked on the break. We went in at half time one down and second best in what had still been a pretty even contest In the second half Bowyer had obviously read the riot act during the break and all in all the Addicks players were superb from Phillips right through to Fosu .. hard grafting, never say die, playing a flatter formation and running at them from midfield. Young Morgan was outstanding and Fosu looks back on form. Pratley had the best game I've seen from him. I'll not pick out too many for especial praise, but Bauer was superb against their aggressive number nine Wyke. A lot of our improved play came from good distribution from Phillips, incisive passing in midfield, much less passing about aimlessly at the back and some super diagonal passes from left to right from the admirable Sarr. (As an aside, Pearce is a warrior and a 100 percenter BUT his passing is absolutely woeful.) In boxing parlance we won the 2nd half on points and though the equaliser was fortunate, it was more than well deserved and we could have had a couple more. The BCcats keeper, without making any dramatic saves was tremendous in timing his interventions and coming out to stifle our incursions into their box. We had a few 1/2 chances and they were really no more than that
We started the game with 5 one time academy players and they were a tribute to the various development teams who've played a part in their coaching and football education. Williams made a nice little cameo appearance and took a couple of hefty tackles that tested his fitness and bottle. With his new crew cut and his running style he remined me of Joe Cole. If he's anywhere near so good as Joe, he'll be sensational for us
On to Shrewsbury and if we play like this next week, we'll win 3/4/5 nil. From now on though consistency and a fast start is a must …. Great Game .. thanks to all the players .. and COME ON YOU ADDICKS !!!
@JohnfromNorfolk You took your time, I was back in North Norfok two hours before you! What was your mode of transport, horse-drawn carriage?
You should have driv, the roads were nice and clear; barely saw a car on the road from Mundford through to Swaffham and Fakenham. Even had the fun of listening to City concede an injury time winner against Pompey.
Apologies if mentioned already but how poo were the pre-match “Wembley 20th Anniversary Charlton” penalty takers and keeper? That bloody Clive Andersen would have had more chance if he’d have hit it with his blooming tennis racket bless him....
Just arrived back in Norfolk (did I beat you back Briston). My thoughts on the game. The crowd fantastic, even when we were one down. Maybe the prospect of seeing the back of Roland has given us all a lift. The team. Dillon was o.k. not sure he fills me with a lot confidence, but having a run of games he will improve. Dijksteel improved after a shaky start and Solly was, well Solly. Bauer looked strong while his C.B. mate Sarr was outstanding. His tackle to rob the Sunderland forward as he was breaking through was immense, he came out with the ball and joined the attack. He can certainly hit a good cross field pass. Enjoyed Morgan in midfield. He justified his place in the starting eleven. Fosu excites and frustrates as does Bielik. Bielik has tons of ability and reads the game well for a 22 year old but some times dwells on the ball and gets caught in possession. Pratley was busy without being spectacular. On another day Karlan would have scored but where has his fellow striking partner Taylor been hiding for recent years. Sunderland found him unplayable at times. As another poster said - probably our best striker since Kermorgant. Nice little cameo from Williams, he will prove to be a useful asset to the squad Overall the second half performance (forget the first half when we could have been a couple of goals down) was as good as any I've seen for a long time.
another aside .. Colin Murray was at the game today and someone mentioned that Jim White was also there .. this of course is adding credence to the (whisper it) imminent take over rumours .. also, on my part, it was very nice to shake the hand and have very brief chat with the admirable Paul Mortimer, still a fine figure of a man, even if he is a much bigger man (rather like myself) than used to was ((:>)
16,317, including 3,125 Mackems. So 13,192 home fans. I would suggest that there were actually somewhere near that amount of home fans in the ground.
If there were 12,000 home fans there (and I'd say there were more than that). It's arguably double many of the actual home fan attendances in the last few seasons.
Also it's about 50% up on the actual bums on seats home attendances this season, where there's possibly been about 8,000.
A far cry from a couple of predictions saying we'd have an extra 200 today, as it was an extra 3000/4000.
This NEVER happens, for all sorts of reasons. I doubt if there were 12,000. But as you say a big increase on previous matches this season, including Gillingham, and a sign of what could be achieved regularly again once he’s gone.
16,317, including 3,125 Mackems. So 13,192 home fans. I would suggest that there were actually somewhere near that amount of home fans in the ground.
If there were 12,000 home fans there (and I'd say there were more than that). It's arguably double many of the actual home fan attendances in the last few seasons.
Also it's about 50% up on the actual bums on seats home attendances this season, where there's possibly been about 8,000.
A far cry from a couple of predictions saying we'd have an extra 200 today, as it was an extra 3000/4000.
This NEVER happens, for all sorts of reasons. I doubt if there were 12,000. But as you say a big increase on previous matches this season, including Gillingham, and a sign of what could be achieved regularly again once he’s gone.
No clue how many were actually there but it most certainly was a lot busier than it has been. Was great to see The Covered End so full and where I was sitting, all around me was packed.
Definitely become more of the same once he’s gone.
Haven't seen a game like that in years ..was convinced we d win ..bowyer got them to come out fighting in the second half and I thought our support was brilliant!
Going against the grain a bit here but I think a point was more than fair......we were abysmal for the first 40 mins (not 20 or 30 as some on here have said) and Morgan's run & shot was our first effort on goal. We could (and should) have been 3-0 down by then, with Wyke missing a decent chance & then missing the rebound off the bar a little later. How LB can't see that Solly should be at RB AND that Prately should not even be in the squad is beyond me.
However........
The 2nd half showed that football isn't all about pass & move......the long ball can be just as effective. With Sunderland playing a high line there was lots of room for Taylor to exploit......and boy did he do that. His hold up play is excellent & for a tall lad his close control & dribbling is top notch too. Just need him fit for the rest of the season.
At half time I would have bitten your hand off for a point & at full time I was happy to hear the whistle. Both teams had chances to win the game but on reflection a draw was a fair result.
Haven’t read posts so apologies if duplicated lots...
My thoughts:
Morgan is one for the future Loved Mendonca song from North upper Taylor ran rings around them 2nd half Comedy gold 1st touch of ball “joniesta” passed to Lee Bowyer Joniesta looks class (after that!) Loved Roland bye bye song from North Upper Pratley not hitting the target from a pretty open goal was shocking from my very near seat Grant not in the game today really - it happens Their number 9 was shocking - should have had 3 goals in 1st half Glad we were not 3 or 4 down at half time 2nd half CAFC showed that we really can be the real deal with so many injuries to go up
150-odd comments in so pretty much agree with previous posts - great game to be at today. Proper match, proper atmosphere.
A couple of observations. I get fans' frustration about the passing around at the back for the first quarter or so when we were 1-0 down, but I think that was deliberate to try and help us get into the game. They scored before most of ours had even had a touch and were moving us around for fun when they had the ball - if they'd scored again, the game could have been as good as over. Sometimes you do nothing much with the ball except try and pass it to each other, just to get a foothold and prevent being overrun. 'Earning the right to play', they call it.
Re Dijksteel, I thought he showed a lot of character - I thought he was pretty poor v Walsall and was a bit surprised he started. Today he was left exposed by the constant overlapping 2 on 1s, whilst at the same time clearly being told that he needs to be closer to Bauer and be prepared to get round behind him, especially on the diagonal balls. Problem was that this left him with too much ground to cover when the play was switched to his side, and as he's not a natural full-back he was soon in trouble and it affected his game. An earlier post mentioned the insistence on the diamond, which can work really well when you have the ball but obviously leaves you more exposed in wide areas - particularly defensively. in the first half I would have been inclined to ask Lyle and KG to take turns playing dropping into a wide right role and track back more to give Dijksteel a bit more help. Or is that just me channelling my inner Robinson/Curbishley (Magennis, Darren Bent)? But his 2nd half was much better and he did well to come back.
All in all, very decent performance given the start and Taylor, Sarr and Bielik looked like they wouldn't be out of place in the Championship. And Jonny Williams' first pass had a lot of us laughing, given the anticipation and his reputation as a baller. Did well after that though and if he stays fit will make a difference to us.
In terms of non-game matters, I thought the booing of Colin Murray was comically harsh, but fair play to him for turning it round and getting into the occasion. And who on earth chose our pre-game penalty-takers?!! Shocking stuff, apart from Morts obviously. Sorry if any of them are on here.
And though the Sunderland fans weren't the noisiest given the size, fair play to them for selling out and travelling the distance in such ridiculous numbers - great to see the Jimmy Seed rammed like that, especially watching them applaud the memorial names of Addicks we've lost in the past year. Times like that I can get a little bit emotional at the football.
Really good day - wish it was more like this every other week...
@JohnfromNorfolk You took your time, I was back in North Norfok two hours before you! What was your mode of transport, horse-drawn carriage?
You should have driv, the roads were nice and clear; barely saw a car on the road from Mundford through to Swaffham and Fakenham. Even had the fun of listening to City concede an injury time winner against Pompey.
Hi Briston Stopped off at W/Spoons in Newmarket for a meal and pint. Light traffic all journey. Bad day for City.
Just arrived back in Norfolk (did I beat you back Briston). My thoughts on the game. The crowd fantastic, even when we were one down. Maybe the prospect of seeing the back of Roland has given us all a lift. The team. Dillon was o.k. not sure he fills me with a lot confidence, but having a run of games he will improve. Dijksteel improved after a shaky start and Solly was, well Solly. Bauer looked strong while his C.B. mate Sarr was outstanding. His tackle to rob the Sunderland forward as he was breaking through was immense, he came out with the ball and joined the attack. He can certainly hit a good cross field pass. Enjoyed Morgan in midfield. He justified his place in the starting eleven. Fosu excites and frustrates as does Bielik. Bielik has tons of ability and reads the game well for a 22 year old but some times dwells on the ball and gets caught in possession. Pratley was busy without being spectacular. On another day Karlan would have scored but where has his fellow striking partner Taylor been hiding for recent years. Sunderland found him unplayable at times. As another poster said - probably our best striker since Kermorgant. Nice little cameo from Williams, he will prove to be a useful asset to the squad Overall the second half performance (forget the first half when we could have been a couple of goals down) was as good as any I've seen for a long time.
Just arrived back in Norfolk (did I beat you back Briston). My thoughts on the game. The crowd fantastic, even when we were one down. Maybe the prospect of seeing the back of Roland has given us all a lift. The team. Dillon was o.k. not sure he fills me with a lot confidence, but having a run of games he will improve. Dijksteel improved after a shaky start and Solly was, well Solly. Bauer looked strong while his C.B. mate Sarr was outstanding. His tackle to rob the Sunderland forward as he was breaking through was immense, he came out with the ball and joined the attack. He can certainly hit a good cross field pass. Enjoyed Morgan in midfield. He justified his place in the starting eleven. Fosu excites and frustrates as does Bielik. Bielik has tons of ability and reads the game well for a 22 year old but some times dwells on the ball and gets caught in possession. Pratley was busy without being spectacular. On another day Karlan would have scored but where has his fellow striking partner Taylor been hiding for recent years. Sunderland found him unplayable at times. As another poster said - probably our best striker since Kermorgant. Nice little cameo from Williams, he will prove to be a useful asset to the squad Overall the second half performance (forget the first half when we could have been a couple of goals down) was as good as any I've seen for a long time.
Were you on a dj coach by any chance?
The DJ coach?
Valley Away supporters coach(es) goes all round South East London and Kent border for a couple of hours picking up before leaving Charlton .
Just arrived back in Norfolk (did I beat you back Briston). My thoughts on the game. The crowd fantastic, even when we were one down. Maybe the prospect of seeing the back of Roland has given us all a lift. The team. Dillon was o.k. not sure he fills me with a lot confidence, but having a run of games he will improve. Dijksteel improved after a shaky start and Solly was, well Solly. Bauer looked strong while his C.B. mate Sarr was outstanding. His tackle to rob the Sunderland forward as he was breaking through was immense, he came out with the ball and joined the attack. He can certainly hit a good cross field pass. Enjoyed Morgan in midfield. He justified his place in the starting eleven. Fosu excites and frustrates as does Bielik. Bielik has tons of ability and reads the game well for a 22 year old but some times dwells on the ball and gets caught in possession. Pratley was busy without being spectacular. On another day Karlan would have scored but where has his fellow striking partner Taylor been hiding for recent years. Sunderland found him unplayable at times. As another poster said - probably our best striker since Kermorgant. Nice little cameo from Williams, he will prove to be a useful asset to the squad Overall the second half performance (forget the first half when we could have been a couple of goals down) was as good as any I've seen for a long time.
Were you on a dj coach by any chance?
The DJ coach?
Valley Away supporters coach(es) goes all round South East London and Kent border for a couple of hours picking up before leaving Charlton .
That felt like a proper football match today. Like when we used to be good!
Still not sure about this diamond formation. Some weeks it works and like the first half today, sometimes it doesn't. We end up very narrow in midfield and the fullbacks get no help at all. Dijksteel was all over the shop trying to deal with two attackers on his own and was way out of position for the Sunderland goal. Not picking on him - nobody else was marking the scorer either, I just think the system doesn't help and leaves him exposed at times. He kept fighting though and was a lot better in the second half. Nobody ahead of the fullbacks leaves no option but a load of pointless side to side passing across the back four too. I had more than enough of that under Robinson.
Liked the look of Williams, direct and trying to make things happen. I hope he can stay fit for a decent run in the side.
A game of two halves but we deserved to win it on the 2nd half performance. Special mention to Sarr, Solly, Taylor, Morgan. I thought they all had very good games. Grant also played well.
We should have won that but going a goal down after 1 minute is unforgivable really and gave us a lot to do. Had our backs against the wall right from the start but, all in all, we deserved to win it in the end. Shouldn’t have gone a goal down though.
Great away day that. Fantastic stadium, almost a hybrid between an old fashion ground and a modern ground. Fair play to the Charlton fans in the top of that covered stand. Sang all game. https://t.co/fLmcXavmxd
A cracking game and an excellent advertisement for League 1 football. What other country could produce a third tier game of that calibre and intensity ?
We met some Sunderland supporting mates down the Anchor and Hope for lunch at midday and I was surprised to find the place already rammed with good humoured Mackems at that time of day. A full Jimmy Seed Stand certainly enhanced the atmosphere and it was great to see the blocks in the North Upper delineated by bodies, rather than empty seats and gangways, as has been the case in recent seasons. Our own numbers were doubtless boosted by the tantalising prospect of bidding Duchatelet farewell and the home support was buoyant and vocal throughout.
I thought that we were outclassed in the first 35 minutes of the game and Sunderland could - and should - have been a couple of goals ahead. There's obviously nothing like an early goal to give a team confidence and they certainly moved the ball extremely well during that period, whilst pressing effectively and retaining their shape when out of possession. In contrast, we were ponderous and, with the exception of the impressive Albie Morgan, desperately short of ideas and movement. We nevertheless managed to claw our way back into the game in the last ten minutes of the half, establish a foothold and start to offer a threat offensively.
The second half was an entirely different story, as we went after Sunderland from the first whistle with tremendous intensity, determination and no little skill. We played at a high tempo, looked a yard sharper and started to win 50/50s and individual battles all over the pitch. As others have said, Lyle Taylor was practically unplayable and created havoc across their back line, including when Naby Sarr picked him out with some lovely long diagonal passes.
We certainly had chances to win it (as did they at the death) but, overall, I thought that a draw was a fair result over the 90 minutes. It's a better point for Sunderland than for us but a valuable one nonetheless and, given our number of injuries (including no less than five midfielders), that second half performance is one we can be proud of. It is also testament to the motivational skills of Lee Bowyer and Jacko and will put us in good heart for the next round of games.
Great away day that. Fantastic stadium, almost a hybrid between an old fashion ground and a modern ground. Fair play to the Charlton fans in the top of that covered stand. Sang all game. https://t.co/fLmcXavmxd
Sunderland fans are fine by me. Applauded JWilliams when he came on too. Looking forward to seeing them again at Wembley
Comments
At home we have Portsmouth and Luton to play, and to be honest, I fancy our chances against anyone in this league at home. We got absolutely robbed against Peterborough and it was a late collapse back in the beginning of October against Coventry the only two we have lost.
What I am trying to say is, with these games and players coming back to fitness hopefully soon, as well as the players we are going to bring in, added to the fact that hopefully a takeover is around the corner... if we all stick together, drive this team on, we could really give ourselves a cracking chance of success for these remaining 19 games.
Come on you reds!
A few fouls and yellow cards but nothing at all out of order or done with vicious intent. All the attributes that make watching football such a terrific experience, more of it please.
We've gone from conceding late late goals to getting off to snail slow starts and conceding in the first few minutes .. criticism first .. we need to get cracking from the off and to concentrate from the first whistle. That's that.
Sunderland had done their homework and concentrated on attacking down our right flank. This caused us all sorts of grief in the first half but we (especially Dijksteel who got better the longer the game went on) just got better and better, they all buckled down and refused to yield under some heavy pressure, especially when attacked on the break.
We went in at half time one down and second best in what had still been a pretty even contest
In the second half Bowyer had obviously read the riot act during the break and all in all the Addicks players were superb from Phillips right through to Fosu .. hard grafting, never say die, playing a flatter formation and running at them from midfield. Young Morgan was outstanding and Fosu looks back on form. Pratley had the best game I've seen from him. I'll not pick out too many for especial praise, but Bauer was superb against their aggressive number nine Wyke.
A lot of our improved play came from good distribution from Phillips, incisive passing in midfield, much less passing about aimlessly at the back and some super diagonal passes from left to right from the admirable Sarr. (As an aside, Pearce is a warrior and a 100 percenter BUT his passing is absolutely woeful.)
In boxing parlance we won the 2nd half on points and though the equaliser was fortunate, it was more than well deserved and we could have had a couple more. The BCcats keeper, without making any dramatic saves was tremendous in timing his interventions and coming out to stifle our incursions into their box. We had a few 1/2 chances and they were really no more than that
We started the game with 5 one time academy players and they were a tribute to the various development teams who've played a part in their coaching and football education.
Williams made a nice little cameo appearance and took a couple of hefty tackles that tested his fitness and bottle. With his new crew cut and his running style he remined me of Joe Cole. If he's anywhere near so good as Joe, he'll be sensational for us
On to Shrewsbury and if we play like this next week, we'll win 3/4/5 nil. From now on though consistency and a fast start is a must …. Great Game .. thanks to all the players .. and COME ON YOU ADDICKS !!!
You should have driv, the roads were nice and clear; barely saw a car on the road from Mundford through to Swaffham and Fakenham. Even had the fun of listening to City concede an injury time winner against Pompey.
After the first 35 mins or so, it felt like we had OUR Charlton back.
Thought everyone played their part, albeit after a sluggish start but special plaudits must go to Bielik , the Nabster and , as always, our Lyle.
Great to see all the happy Addicks making their way out of The Valley, smiling & to hear their excited , positive chatter.
Sadly, there was one negative that I feel I have to mention.
Having a nice drink with our gang pre match, when a young lady approached me, bent down and asked " Are you Grant's Grandmother ?"
My initial reaction was to ask "Grant who" before realising I don't have a grandson by that name.
To which she replied " Grant Basey".
I answered in the negative so she went away saying " I know she's here somewhere!"
Now, I'd like all my Lifer pals to be honest in their response although my Xmas card list is close at hand.....
Hand on heart, do I look as though I have a 30 year old grandson , which would make me possibly around 80 ?
Or, could this have been a dare .....
( Mr F advises everyone to think very carefully before posting their thoughts....)
That bloody Clive Andersen would have had more chance if he’d have hit it with his blooming tennis racket bless him....
Definitely become more of the same once he’s gone.
However........
The 2nd half showed that football isn't all about pass & move......the long ball can be just as effective. With Sunderland playing a high line there was lots of room for Taylor to exploit......and boy did he do that. His hold up play is excellent & for a tall lad his close control & dribbling is top notch too. Just need him fit for the rest of the season.
At half time I would have bitten your hand off for a point & at full time I was happy to hear the whistle. Both teams had chances to win the game but on reflection a draw was a fair result.
My thoughts:
Morgan is one for the future
Loved Mendonca song from North upper
Taylor ran rings around them 2nd half
Comedy gold 1st touch of ball “joniesta” passed to Lee Bowyer
Joniesta looks class (after that!)
Loved Roland bye bye song from North Upper
Pratley not hitting the target from a pretty open goal was shocking from my very near seat
Grant not in the game today really - it happens
Their number 9 was shocking - should have had 3 goals in 1st half
Glad we were not 3 or 4 down at half time
2nd half CAFC showed that we really can be the real deal with so many injuries to go up
Great game of football
COYR’s
Proper match, proper atmosphere.
A couple of observations. I get fans' frustration about the passing around at the back for the first quarter or so when we were 1-0 down, but I think that was deliberate to try and help us get into the game. They scored before most of ours had even had a touch and were moving us around for fun when they had the ball - if they'd scored again, the game could have been as good as over. Sometimes you do nothing much with the ball except try and pass it to each other, just to get a foothold and prevent being overrun. 'Earning the right to play', they call it.
Re Dijksteel, I thought he showed a lot of character - I thought he was pretty poor v Walsall and was a bit surprised he started. Today he was left exposed by the constant overlapping 2 on 1s, whilst at the same time clearly being told that he needs to be closer to Bauer and be prepared to get round behind him, especially on the diagonal balls. Problem was that this left him with too much ground to cover when the play was switched to his side, and as he's not a natural full-back he was soon in trouble and it affected his game. An earlier post mentioned the insistence on the diamond, which can work really well when you have the ball but obviously leaves you more exposed in wide areas - particularly defensively. in the first half I would have been inclined to ask Lyle and KG to take turns playing dropping into a wide right role and track back more to give Dijksteel a bit more help. Or is that just me channelling my inner Robinson/Curbishley (Magennis, Darren Bent)? But his 2nd half was much better and he did well to come back.
All in all, very decent performance given the start and Taylor, Sarr and Bielik looked like they wouldn't be out of place in the Championship. And Jonny Williams' first pass had a lot of us laughing, given the anticipation and his reputation as a baller. Did well after that though and if he stays fit will make a difference to us.
In terms of non-game matters, I thought the booing of Colin Murray was comically harsh, but fair play to him for turning it round and getting into the occasion. And who on earth chose our pre-game penalty-takers?!! Shocking stuff, apart from Morts obviously. Sorry if any of them are on here.
And though the Sunderland fans weren't the noisiest given the size, fair play to them for selling out and travelling the distance in such ridiculous numbers - great to see the Jimmy Seed rammed like that, especially watching them applaud the memorial names of Addicks we've lost in the past year. Times like that I can get a little bit emotional at the football.
Really good day - wish it was more like this every other week...
Stopped off at W/Spoons in Newmarket for a meal and pint.
Light traffic all journey.
Bad day for City.
Still not sure about this diamond formation. Some weeks it works and like the first half today, sometimes it doesn't. We end up very narrow in midfield and the fullbacks get no help at all. Dijksteel was all over the shop trying to deal with two attackers on his own and was way out of position for the Sunderland goal. Not picking on him - nobody else was marking the scorer either, I just think the system doesn't help and leaves him exposed at times. He kept fighting though and was a lot better in the second half. Nobody ahead of the fullbacks leaves no option but a load of pointless side to side passing across the back four too. I had more than enough of that under Robinson.
Liked the look of Williams, direct and trying to make things happen. I hope he can stay fit for a decent run in the side.
We should have won that but going a goal down after 1 minute is unforgivable really and gave us a lot to do. Had our backs against the wall right from the start but, all in all, we deserved to win it in the end. Shouldn’t have gone a goal down though.
Great away day that. Fantastic stadium, almost a hybrid between an old fashion ground and a modern ground. Fair play to the Charlton fans in the top of that covered stand. Sang all game. https://t.co/fLmcXavmxd
We met some Sunderland supporting mates down the Anchor and Hope for lunch at midday and I was surprised to find the place already rammed with good humoured Mackems at that time of day. A full Jimmy Seed Stand certainly enhanced the atmosphere and it was great to see the blocks in the North Upper delineated by bodies, rather than empty seats and gangways, as has been the case in recent seasons. Our own numbers were doubtless boosted by the tantalising prospect of bidding Duchatelet farewell and the home support was buoyant and vocal throughout.
I thought that we were outclassed in the first 35 minutes of the game and Sunderland could - and should - have been a couple of goals ahead. There's obviously nothing like an early goal to give a team confidence and they certainly moved the ball extremely well during that period, whilst pressing effectively and retaining their shape when out of possession. In contrast, we were ponderous and, with the exception of the impressive Albie Morgan, desperately short of ideas and movement. We nevertheless managed to claw our way back into the game in the last ten minutes of the half, establish a foothold and start to offer a threat offensively.
The second half was an entirely different story, as we went after Sunderland from the first whistle with tremendous intensity, determination and no little skill. We played at a high tempo, looked a yard sharper and started to win 50/50s and individual battles all over the pitch. As others have said, Lyle Taylor was practically unplayable and created havoc across their back line, including when Naby Sarr picked him out with some lovely long diagonal passes.
We certainly had chances to win it (as did they at the death) but, overall, I thought that a draw was a fair result over the 90 minutes. It's a better point for Sunderland than for us but a valuable one nonetheless and, given our number of injuries (including no less than five midfielders), that second half performance is one we can be proud of. It is also testament to the motivational skills of Lee Bowyer and Jacko and will put us in good heart for the next round of games.
So many times in the Walsall game that Stevenson was overlapping but Fosu chose to come inside every time and eventually lost the ball.
Ok sometimes that works but it would be good to mix it up and keep the defence guessing.