Interesting point on Kelman, the one time we played him a diagonal into space that we know he loves, he won a free kick in a dangerous area. It really feels like we're not playing to his strengths at all so far
Have looked a bit toothless going forward so far this season in open play but have looked dangerous at set pieces. Today we were toothless from both. Need to get better going forward, feel like we’re missing Small quite a bit but was always going to take time to adjust to the Championship. Still think we will be fine but the table might not look great after the Millwall and Sheff U games as we will do well to get much out of them
The main takeaway for me is that our deliveries were sub-par all day, felt like a bit of a reality check before the transfer window closes which might not be too bad of a thing - good job we have a break before the Millwall game to work on our set-pieces.
Why do we continue to start with Tanto, Kelman and Knibbs on the bench, TC really wasn't in it first half but came out like a man possessed second half, and showed some good touches of what we know he is more than capable of producing. Ramsay seemed to have an off day today, and Bell just wasn't at his best, so there are some changes needed before Millwall roll up to The Valley, or it will just be a rinse and repeat of today I fear. We all know Godden is out, still don't know for how long, and as each match unfolds it clearly shows that he is greatly missed for the front running and pressing we all know he is good at, but we can't just keep on relying on one man, we have enough talent to get results, just that spark seems to go missing at crucial times. Anyway, Window shuts Monday 7pm, will we get in that spark, I hope so, and also hope Godden get's back out there ASAP...
Jones needs to start making some tough decisions again.
One thing I’ve noticed each game so far is we’re struggling to adapt to the increased pace of the game, makes it feel like League One was being played at walking football compared to how quick The Championship is.
2 weeks to the next game surely is enough time to get Knibbs ready to start in for Carey.
Might also be time for Olaofe to come in for Campbell and maybe JRC to come in for Docherty.
Thought we played well except for our finishing. Glad for Apter because he was having a terrible game. Leaburn and Kelman… Not sure. How long is it until Godden comes back and we also get another striker? The crossing could well have been much much better today and the set pieces
Comments coming in from Rich Cawley Nathan Jones unhappy about the fact Mbengue not given a second yellow for his foul on Kelman when the score was 1-1.
#cafc boss says that referee told him it wasn't penalised further due to the attack "not being in a promising position".
Staring down the barrel of 3 losses on the spin, before heading to Bramall Lane!
This squad has nothing but relegation dogfight written all over it. played well in the first three, but absolutely toothless upfront and we continue to make piss poor decisions/judgements that just cost us over and over. Actually worrying that we have now given ourselves a day & a half to try and rectify.
Godden a huge miss, but again our style of play just doesnt suit the strikers we play - lumping it to a sluggish leaburn or tiny Rapter isnt going to cut the mustard - TC bombing down the wing seems a thing of the past, as he is consistently trying to cut in and adamant not to drive forward into space. He HAS to be on the bench as a game changer.
Ramsey looks a shadow of his former self, Bell becoming more and more frustrating as his MO seems to be over playing and aimless long balls. Jones thankfully continuing from last season - time for Burke to replace Bell?
Midfield is still exceptionally overrun and lacking any guile - Coventry doing well, but vast waves of space still. One up top simply not working, just as it didnt work last season!
Very Worrying, as i see nothing to suggest that either a rot wont set it, nor do we have the ability to 'stop the rot'
This is a little over dramatic I think when you consider how bad we were before Christmas last year then nearly finished second.
Yea it’s bad but we’re 4 games in
problem is, you can afford to be that bad in league one, and not slide down the league. Championship is a whole different ball game! Simply cannot afford to be going 5/6 games without a win, as there are no 'weak teams' in this league who will equally do the same if not worse.
We have to face it that we are in the second tier now, and cannot continue with a L1 mindset or approach to games and runs.
My point is more that you’ve ruled out us turning anything around. We could lose 5 in a row then win 3 and we’d be back at it.
At the moment Jones hasn’t got his selections right for me. Just like last year.
My opinion is we have enough to stay up if someone decides to score some goals. Just got to find the right formula
Far too early to start panicking I’m sure Jones will get this sorted but our attacking threat is a concern. We need someone with that ability to produce a spark and atm I don’t think we have anyone
Interesting point on Kelman, the one time we played him a diagonal into space that we know he loves, he won a free kick in a dangerous area. It really feels like we're not playing to his strengths at all so far
He's feeding off scraps. It would be good to see us get the ball into his feet a bit more.
As much as I think the TC criticism is overboard I don’t understand why Jones keeps putting him at RWB when Apter has been playing well. It weakens us on both flanks as TC isn’t a RWB
If TC had come off instead of Apter like he should have, then I think most would be saying TC had a good game. Was clearly knackered and made no sense moving him to RWB
We look toothless upfront, Leaburn needs support up there and I don’t get why Jones took off Carey before Docherty.
Knibbs needs a start now, these little cameos aren’t doing anything - I have my doubts about Kelman but the same goes for him, play 2 up top and when Godden comes back, we’ve got competition for places.
Really like Apter, Campbell is inconsistent but did well today
I hope our season isn’t a case of played well but lost by the odd goal each week.
Some of the comments from the end of the match thread are brilliant. It really wasn’t dogshit or horrendous.
We lost 3-1 in the championship. The 3rd goal was as we pushed in the final stages - always a risk.
we clearly need some attention focussed on attacking threat but if Leaburn hits that under the bar in the first half it’s a different game.
We’ll lose a lot more this season, but we’ll win some as well.
Some balance and perspective will definitely help some cope with a Saturday afternoons football.
A few of our fans are getting a reality check and don’t like it. And the usual over reaction to every defeat swiftly follows.
If the players were naive today so have many of our fans been.
This is a tough, tough division and a large proportion of our squad are making the significant step up from League One for the first time.
We spent a bit of dosh but we are rebuilding a squad that just two seasons ago included many players that are now playing in League Two.
A bit of momentum and a surprise element got us through the the first few games. Now teams have seen what we’re about and can plan for it. Now the slog starts.
The team needs to learn lessons fast and sharpen up 10% in most areas. Jones will know what’s required and will be working tirelessly to get the players to the levels needed.
This side will battle away and won’t be out worked often but quality will be lacking at times, individual errors will happen, and we’re are going to lose plenty of matches.
That, really, should be fully expected. Doesn’t mean every defeat is a sign the sky is falling in or all our players are shit.
A few fans need a bit of a mindset shift because the team are going to need us behind them not on their backs.
Anything 21st or higher remains a successful season.
We need another winger type player. We got away with it last season with just small and TC it won’t happen again especially as there is a good chance TC won’t be good enough
I’m still confident we will get better. NJ’s teams are slow starters and with some work and tweaks we’ll come good. We think we’ve spent a fortune this summer but compared to the rest of the league it’s well below average, we’ve had to upgrade more players than other teams too. I wouldn’t hold out much hope on Godden saving us, he wasn’t wanted by any other Championship sides last summer. The step back up is a big one, but in the long run we’ll be fine.
Terrible start that they capitalised on meant it always felt like we were chasing the game even when we equalised. We just don't create enough clear cut chances and that means that we're reliant on the defence being flawless again and all three centre backs had dodgy moments unfortunately. Add to that Edwards being hugely wasteful on the ball and Apter being muscled off everything and we invited goals. We bypassed our midfield in a way that didn't help us; Campbell kept receiving the ball with his back to goal and getting knocked off it, Leaburn won headers but they were swept up and Carey was anonymous. We were decent overall though, the longer the game went on the more it looked like we'd be the winners but some atrocious defending against one player running from his own half did us in. The big issue is that we don't have a threatening centre forward. Leaburn did his best but he's young, and Kelman once again failed to impose himself. At our best last season Godden was always involved, always threatened, always gave defences something to think about but we don't have that right now and it makes us easier to defend against. Carey was really poor today but Knibbs hasn't made much of an impact when he has played yet.
It doesn't tell the whole story but we can point at some terrible decisions though; we could have had a pen, they definitely should have had a red that the ref bottled and TC should have had a free kick right before their goal. The ref was inconsistent and weird throughout. Kone got away with a really nasty one to the head of Jones as well, really poor reffing.
What I will say though is that people really need to calm down. We've gone up a division and have to adapt. We've spent years in L1 miserable and I know it's broken some people's brains irreparably but the amount people are screeching at the players in the match thread already feels like it did when we'd concede against Port Vale and it's making it a less enjoyable experience than it could be. It's different now, the games are harder, a bit more patience wouldn't hurt.
I’m still confident we will get better. NJ’s teams are slow starters and with some work and tweaks we’ll come good. We think we’ve spent a fortune this summer but compared to the rest of the league it’s well below average, we’ve had to upgrade more players than other teams too. I wouldn’t hold out much hope on Godden saving us, he wasn’t wanted by any other Championship sides last summer. The step back up is a big one, but in the long run we’ll be fine.
Nicely put. I agree apart from I have a feeling Godden will get a few this year
Well, We wont stay up playing like that. No creativity (yet again) and set pieces worse than usual. No thought to pull the ball back to someone to hit it - first thought is to stick it in the air, either too high or too long. We caused Leicester problems last week but I'd say that was a one-off.
Goal scoring will be our downfall (again). Might be different when Godden comes back but are we really going to rely on one player - and no saying he will be the answer anyway. Kone was a handful all game & although James kept him quiet but he was still on the pitch to finish off a chance on 90+6......would any of our strikers manage that ! Or would they be subbed off long ago?
Shame really because with 10 mins to go we looked like the team most likely to win it, but creating & finishing chances is a rarity for us. Would TC have scored their 2nd ? I doubt it.
Oh....and its Millwall up next. They wont take any prisoners & expect them to win comfortably. After that it's up to Sheffield for a relegation 6-pointer. Just didn't think it would be the Blades & not the Owls.
Whole team lacked quality on the ball today. Leaburn fought hard off scraps but not a good day at the office.
I think the team puts in a shift but look very short on guile. We will outfight teams who don't put in an effort to match our own. If the opposition match our fight, then they will likely have too much quality for us. I think that's the reality but it is a team I can get behind because they do fight hard, even in defeat.
Poor defeat against a poor QPR team who were there for the taking. 3-1 doesn't reflect the game, who were no way 2 goals better.
Disappointing start of the game from Charlton- who forget how to pass and lumped the ball forward. They needed to be able to keep things tight, as QPR was going to try and start off fast. QPR had a better start and scored a soft looking goal.
The Charlton team of Watford, Bristol and Leceister had not turned up. Charlton managed to get the foot on the ball, pass and had a much better second part of the first half. Close from Leaburn, who hit the bar from the only decent cross of the afternoon from Edwards.
Felt optimistic for the 2nd half. Apter, who's delivery was off most of the day, managed to bounce a shot in. With QPR's reported poor fitness levels, felt we could go on and win it.
Charlton created plenty of good situations, but set piece and delivery all game was terrible, what
happened ? We were good with free kicks last season ? Set piece coach needs to start earning their money.
Soft 2nd goal with TC losing the ball mid pitch, Seito ran through the midfield to score. Kone, 3rd as Charlton lost all shape chasing the equaliser.
QPR's subs and quality off the bench was better, had more impact. Nathan Jones subs didn't help the game.
Championship teams will have a bit of quality to score from one chance or punish mistakes / lack of composure.
It's going to be a long season, if we don't start taking our chances, when we are on top. Front line is looking short on quality. IMO, Charlton are missing the Championship experience of Godden up front. Hoping that Godden (and Berry) are not out for too long.
The lack of bite up front is gonna hurt us. It leaves us relying on keeping clean sheets or only conceding one which is tough at this level. As soon as we concede two that’s game over as we simply don’t have that many goals in us.
Comments coming in from Rich Cawley Nathan Jones unhappy about the fact Mbengue not given a second yellow for his foul on Kelman when the score was 1-1.
#cafc boss says that referee told him it wasn't penalised further due to the attack "not being in a promising position".
WTF has that got to do with things, no the ref was amateur at best, and that could be a slant on amateurism...
Hoping the spanners give Hollywood FC a good spanking. I feel dirty for saying that though.
Yeah, I know we need to prove a point after that 3-1 defeat now... But really dont want to face a Millwall side also needing to bounce back from defeat
Comments
Ramsay seemed to have an off day today, and Bell just wasn't at his best, so there are some changes needed before Millwall roll up to The Valley, or it will just be a rinse and repeat of today I fear.
We all know Godden is out, still don't know for how long, and as each match unfolds it clearly shows that he is greatly missed for the front running and pressing we all know he is good at, but we can't just keep on relying on one man, we have enough talent to get results, just that spark seems to go missing at crucial times.
Anyway, Window shuts Monday 7pm, will we get in that spark, I hope so, and also hope Godden get's back out there ASAP...
One thing I’ve noticed each game so far is we’re struggling to adapt to the increased pace of the game, makes it feel like League One was being played at walking football compared to how quick The Championship is.
2 weeks to the next game surely is enough time to get Knibbs ready to start in for Carey.
Might also be time for Olaofe to come in for Campbell and maybe JRC to come in for Docherty.
Nathan Jones unhappy about the fact Mbengue not given a second yellow for his foul on Kelman when the score was 1-1. #cafc boss says that referee told him it wasn't penalised further due to the attack "not being in a promising position".
I hope our season isn’t a case of played well but lost by the odd goal each week.
This is a tough, tough division and a large proportion of our squad are making the significant step up from League One for the first time.
We spent a bit of dosh but we are rebuilding a squad that just two seasons ago included many players that are now playing in League Two.
A bit of momentum and a surprise element got us through the the first few games. Now teams have seen what we’re about and can plan for it. Now the slog starts.
The team needs to learn lessons fast and sharpen up 10% in most areas. Jones will know what’s required and will be working tirelessly to get the players to the levels needed.
This side will battle away and won’t be out worked often but quality will be lacking at times, individual errors will happen, and we’re are going to lose plenty of matches.
That, really, should be fully expected. Doesn’t mean every defeat is a sign the sky is falling in or all our players are shit.
Well, We wont stay up playing like that. No creativity (yet again) and set pieces worse than usual. No thought to pull the ball back to someone to hit it - first thought is to stick it in the air, either too high or too long. We caused Leicester problems last week but I'd say that was a one-off.
Goal scoring will be our downfall (again). Might be different when Godden comes back but are we really going to rely on one player - and no saying he will be the answer anyway. Kone was a handful all game & although James kept him quiet but he was still on the pitch to finish off a chance on 90+6......would any of our strikers manage that ! Or would they be subbed off long ago?
Shame really because with 10 mins to go we looked like the team most likely to win it, but creating & finishing chances is a rarity for us. Would TC have scored their 2nd ? I doubt it.
Oh....and its Millwall up next. They wont take any prisoners & expect them to win comfortably. After that it's up to Sheffield for a relegation 6-pointer. Just didn't think it would be the Blades & not the Owls.
Kelman and Knibbs have a lot to prove.
Whole team lacked quality on the ball today. Leaburn fought hard off scraps but not a good day at the office.
I think the team puts in a shift but look very short on guile. We will outfight teams who don't put in an effort to match our own. If the opposition match our fight, then they will likely have too much quality for us. I think that's the reality but it is a team I can get behind because they do fight hard, even in defeat.
I feel dirty for saying that though.