Large Addick looked pissed off when I walked past him on the way out, like he had practised a load of stuff to moan about on here, and then Nicky Bailey ripped it all away from him
we're play off bound and anything can happen ..... anyone but millwall please .....
a point at swindon is now a good thing so happy with that
but the longer we keep leaking goals(10 games without a clean sheet) and with our currently punchless attack(thank god for our own paul scholes) the further the automatics will become from our reach ...
can't belive burton didn't start, if apko's a better option to burton then i'm an optimist
We're going through a bad patch, no doubt about that. However the spirit we are showing in refusing to roll over in games is very encouraging. What we need to do is find our form at the Valley and then take that into away games. I think with Reid on one wing, Sam/Wagstaff on the other and with Burton, Sodje/Mckenzie up front, we could very easily rediscover our attacking and goalscoring flair. There is still a long way to go and we are only six points from Norwich and still to play them at home. One weekend where they lose and we win and we are right back in it. The fact that we are still picking up points whilst playing so badly is a good sign which could make a huge difference at the end of the season. Once Norwich hit their little spell of bad form they may not be so lucky in picking up points. Leeds will be under huge pressure not to blow it again which could also work in our favour.
I thought apart from the first 30 mins we were quite comfortable yesterday. There were a couple of small scares but Swindon didn't look any great shakes to me. Trouble is, for that first 30 mins we were very unconvincing and the hopeful hoofs were so predictable and a lot of Swindon's pressure was building because we kept surrendering possession too easily.
Then all of a sudden, Racon started getting on the ball, we started to keep the ball on the deck and we forced a corner and then hit the bar shortly afterwards, half time came too soon for us at that stage.
Jose probably should have started in a game like yesterday, especially in a 4-5-1 and he definitely steadied the ship (I thought Bailey was lucky not to be withdrawn), but we seemed to revert to the long ball stuff. Losing Racon didn't help because he was playing quite well and seemed to be the one who was going to put his foot on the ball and try and get us ticking. His ability to carry the ball through the midfield was also opening up the odd gap in the Swindon defence.
We had Swindon at arms length but we were getting nowhere near them either - Akpodje wasn't winning a great deal in the air, and when he did no-one was running past him to collect the flick-ons. His hold up play wasn't great either, his first touch can be as bad as anyone at the club at times and he seems slow to decide what to do once he has the ball at his feet. Didn't look that quick yesterday either - I don't think he won a foot race all afternoon, so can't really agree with Parky the he had an excellent afternoon, although he kept trying to put himself about.
I don't want to single out Akpo though, Bailey, Jonjo, Wagstaff and Richardson were all guilty of being very wasteful in possession at times. It's also pointless looking for a lone striker to win lots of flick-ons because without a pacy strike partner, there's never going to be anyone to collect them. If we're going to play that way, the long balls need to be to chest and feet and really we should be playing Burton.
Burton wasn't at his very best but you could see the difference when he came on. A great example was a cross Burton played to Akodje who was 15 yards out with his back to goal, but not being physically pressurised by anyone. The ball just skewed off his boot and was cleared. A few minutes later Burton collected a near identical ball from Reid, whilst being marked. He controlled instantly and turned it to his left for Bailey to smash in the equaliser. I think Burton's looked a bit flat in recent weeks, but this highlighted how he's the one bit of quality we have up front.
The positive to take from the game is that we've gone away to one of the best side in the divison and I've no doubt we'd have won if we'd played towards our best - Swindon were no great shakes and our own mistakes, particularly slack passing, were as much to blame for their early pressure as their own ability (although they did pressurise us on the ball well). We probably produced three passing moves of the quality we were producing regualrly at the start of the season and we got a corner from one, hit the bar from another, and scored with the third. (Why can't the players realise that was what was working and keep doing it, instead of reverting to hit and hope at the first opportunity?)
The trouble is, another week goes by without us really hitting top gear and if we don't do it soon we can forget automatic promotion. I still believe we're at least the third best side in this division though so we must hope we're confident and in good form should it come down to the play-offs because I'd make us favourites for them if we are. If we're in this form we'll have to hope we can draw three games and win 2 on penalties!
[cite]Posted By: Rothko[/cite]Large Addick looked pissed off when I walked past him on the way out, like he had practised a load of stuff to moan about on here, and then Nicky Bailey ripped it all away from him
LMAO, Rothko !
Swindon don't have a great deal of quality about their play - which is why, for all their dominance at times, they created so few real chances. But you can see how they must have physically battered Leeds and won 3-0.
They took the game to their opponents like a home side should, and forced us to play like an away side.
That's the way it was until the last 15 minutes.
Swindon don't give you time on the ball, and they push you right back. In the circumstances, I thought we defended pretty determinedly and credit should be given for that. IMO it was the midfield that was the problem - Swindon were in their faces so quickly, we just didn't seem to have an outlet under pressure never seeming to retain possession or surrendering it cheaply. Which of course meant Swindon just came back at us again.
In games like this, we need players to show a good first touch, composure and who can retain posession - rather than afraid to hold the ball.
The changes throughout the 2nd half, step by step started to make a positive difference. First Semedo gave our defence a bit more protection and we didn't have to defend so deep. Solly coming on, gave pace and sheer enthusiasm all down the left side and Basey moving into LM gave better team shape.
But Burton was the difference. The moment he came on we looked a different side, starting to move the ball around better and gradually taking the game to Swindon, pushing them back as they tired - notice how many late goals Swindon concede?
One encouraging point - whatever people think of the overall Charlton performance, one thing must be recognised:
we might be giving teams a goal start, but count the times we've come back from behind......!
Last season's team would have folded. There's a resilience and fighting spirit amongst this year's Charlton side.
I know I get accused of positive spin, lol ..... but we'll have any number of posters who'll just say in frustration because we haven't effortlessly won 3-0, that the performance was shit, we should have lost 10-0, blah, blah.
But of course there's far more to any game than that.
All I've tried to do is analyse how both sides played, point out where I saw some things were going wrong and why.
But I'll also mention stuff that we did well - and give credit where it is due.
Can't argue with Oggy Red, a real shame Burton and Semedo did not start as think we may have got even more. Racon played really well and again Reid looked a real threat although a lot better on the left.
[cite]Posted By: Oggy Red[/cite]
One encouraging point - whatever people think of the overall Charlton performance, one thing must be recognised:
we might be giving teams a goal start, but count the times we've come back from behind......!
Last season's team would have folded. There's a resilience and fighting spirit amongst this year's Charlton side.
This is very true Oggs. All these draws won't get us promoted but they are at least giving us something to cling onto. At least you feel there is always hope this season and I think all the come from behind points fly in the face of those who say we're not mentally tough enough to tackle the play-offs.
Thank God for you Oggy you're the Nicky Bailey of this forum:-) Just when I'm about to go and rip my own head off after reading on here how bad we are somehow you step up and slot in a last minute bit of positivity:-) Phew...for a moment back there I even began to contemplate a hobby.....;-) COYR
This thing about the opposition closing our midfield down quickly has really become a pattern of late.
Invariably are hurried into a mistake or we struggle to find the right pass and end up going backwards and then hoofing it long and more often than not surrender possession.
At home the crowd starts to get frustrated and the team seems to sense the vibe and lose all composure.
Anyways, anybody else think that Bailey's goal yesterday could maybe be the most important he'll score all season?
Lose yesterday and they would have been breathing down our neck with games in hand; and we would have been dfeated and demorilised.
As it is they are no closer and we live to fight another day.
Sounds like Parky has got Pardew disease - he no longer knows what his best team is. Unless you're Man U or the like, you need a settled side. Early season we were unchanged for weeks, but now he's chopping and changing and it's not helping.
I have been won over by Parky this season though, so am hoping he is working on that settled side. We looked a slick passing machine early on - we need to get back to that style of play and form.
[cite]Posted By: Exiled_Addick[/cite]Burton wasn't at his very best but you could see the difference when he came on. A great example was a cross Burton played to Akodje who was 15 yards out with his back to goal, but not being physically pressurised by anyone. The ball just skewed off his boot and was cleared. A few minutes later Burton collected a near identical ball from Reid, whilst being marked. He controlled instantly and turned it to his left for Bailey to smash in the equaliser. I think Burton's looked a bit flat in recent weeks, but this highlighted how he's the one bit of quality we have up front.
Just watched the goals again on the ol' Sky+ box a realised It was actually Akpo that crossed for Burton, not Reid, so well done to him for that. My general point about his performance yesterday stands, though. Whether Akpo didn't play very well, or he was being asked to play in a way that doesn't best suit him, Burton has to be the 1 in a 4-5-1 for me.
[cite]Posted By: Six-a-bag-of-nuts[/cite]This thing about the opposition closing our midfield down quickly has really become a pattern of late.
Invariably are hurried into a mistake or we struggle to find the right pass and end up going backwards and then hoofing it long and more often than not surrender possession.
At home the crowd starts to get frustrated and the team seems to sense the vibe and lose all composure.
Teams are realising we're get at-able. Time for players like Racon, Sam and Jonjo to start showing that superior technique and get back to that fluent pass and move football from earlier in the season - if you're never standing still, you're very hard to close down. Bailey's all-round performances have been a bit of colour too, although the goals are still priceless. To be fair I thought Racon was starting to put his foot on the ball yesterday but then he went off injured. Bailey and Jonjo were both a bit flustered in possession though.
Hi Exiled ...... I wouldn't underestimate Akpo's contribution yesterday. He ran himself into the ground for the cause - and it seemed that every high long ball he challenged for with his back to goal, he was surrounded by 3 defenders facing the right way. And no Charlton player in support.
But he still got those challenges in.
Akpo is a great physical presence up front, something we've lacked all season. But as you and others have pointed out, 1st touch and finesse is not the sharpest point of his game. Playing as lone striker isolated from a too deep midfield is asking too much of him.
Put another player alongside or close behind him, someone with intelligence, vision, good movement and 1st touch - and we have a decent pairing. As Burton showed yesterday in his cameo.
But if it's deemed 4-5-1 is the best formation for certain games then, agreed - it has to be Burton as lone striker.
It wasn't pretty at times but I would have happily taken a point off a very inform at home Swindon side. Burton did change the game, such an intelligent footballer, his first touch, passing and lay off are sublime far too skilful for their back two to handle. Big Sodje put in a solid shift but lacks a soft touch to bring the ball under control se we easily gave up posession, Shelvey chased and harried did what Parky expected of him I know I am not alone when I get utterly pi55ed off with people getting on his back at the slightest mistake or misplaced pass, expecting him to boss every game, pass impeccably and score golden goals he is still a teenager learning his trade we have missed his desire to carry the ball and link play up in the last few games. I agree that we were only in the game for 15mins or so, but Swindon didn't trouble us unduly when we had 9 men or 11 yesterday. Hopefully Lloyd Sam will be back rejuvenated, he hasn't been at his early season blistering best at late. Nice 'hissy moment' between Dailly and Kinsella and a bottle of water it matters to them. And no Dickson...bliss. Parky not doing a Pardew IMHO moreover just making some what on paper seem logical changes so freshen up the team or formation, hopefully we will see a settled approach over the coming games
My view.... don't underestimate the value of that last minute equaliser, it may just spur us on. Happy to go 4 5 1 away, please though 4 4 2 at home
Oh, I fully acknowledge he put himself about Oggy and that he's a physical presence. Thing is, I'm 6'4" and 18 stone and if you stuck me out there I'd challenge everything i could get near and would be a physical presence, but if I never controlled a ball and gave it away when I did, I'd be a major reason why the team never got going and were under a lot of pressure by Swindon.
I hope Akpo gets better and I think he will, but that lack of decent hold up play from him was a big reason why Swindon had lots of the ball. We all want to see triers in our team, but you need to be more than just a trier if we want to get promoted.
[cite]Posted By: Vincenzo[/cite]Sounds like Parky has got Pardew disease - he no longer knows what his best team is. Unless you're Man U or the like, you need a settled side. Early season we were unchanged for weeks, but now he's chopping and changing and it's not helping.
I have been won over by Parky this season though, so am hoping he is working on that settled side. We looked a slick passing machine early on - we need to get back to that style of play and form.
Against a big physical Swindon defence who like to play a high line, Parky made the change to bring Jonjo into the side to feed off the scraps from Akpo, hoping that Jonjo would be servicing our 2 speedy wingers to do their stuff.
The reason it didn't happen in that first 30 mins was because Akpo found himself isolated from the midfield and without support; Jonjo tends to chase the ball all across the park when we're under pressure and we lose that team shape. When we defend on our 18 yard line, our midfield is drawn back to protect a too deep lying defence - and of course too far back from Akpo, so try to reach him with a hopeful long ball aimed vaguely in his direction.
And naturally posession is surrendered and back come the opposition to put our still deep lying defence under further pressure. Certainly was generally the story of our day for the first 70 mins against Swindon.
Getting worried about the inconsistent team selection and hope it doesn't become a problem like it did under that last manager we had. Could not understand Akpo instead of Burton at all. Burton is a better player and is more mobile, holds the ball up a lot better and brings our midfielders into play more. It is no coincidence that we scored after he came on.
It was a shame Racon went off (Surely he could have carried on? Bailey would have!) as he was starting to control the game and get his foot on the ball more and we were starting to play good football. I'd go with a 4-5-1 next game and drop Shelvey who was awful yesterday for Semedo with Racon up behind Burton. All in all a point gained I think. Swindon is a difficult place to go and they have won the last 6 at home and only lost once there all season. In isolation this was a good point.
[cite]Posted By: The Red Robin[/cite]It was a shame Racon went off (Surely he could have carried on? Bailey would have!) as he was starting to control the game and get his foot on the ball more and we were starting to play good football. I'd go with a 4-5-1 next game and drop Shelvey who was awful yesterday for Semedo with Racon up behind Burton.
I'd generally agree with that, but I'd be tempted to play Bailey behind Burton. He's been sitting too deep lately and of all our midfielders he's the one hwo most naturally wants to make tuns into the box in support of the strikers. Let Semedo and Racon sit deeper and play the neat football and free Bailey up to do what he does best which is get into goalscoring positions - give him the Gerrard role if you like.
Jonjo seems to have been struggling a bit to get into games a bit lately. You still get the odd flash of what all the fuss is about, like his shot gainst the bar yesterday, but he doesn't seem to be having the same influence on the game he was. I think if we had a reserve team you'd maybe say he needed to play a few games for the stiffs and try and get hus mojo back, but unfortunately he's going to have to do it in the first team which is tough for a 17 year old (is he 18 yet?)
Just got back from Swindon. What a dive. Got a good strip club though.
Anyway, thought we were poor again, but a point is a decent result. To play badly and not get beaten isnt the end of the world.
Deon changed the game when he come on. Dont rate Akpo, its like he is running with ski's on. Cant right anymore at the moment as i got the shakes. Off to bed for some catch up sleep.
[cite]Posted By: Scoham[/cite]Any news on Racon's injury or know why Sam was left out?
Parky said he didn't really want to sub Racon - but as Racon needed stitches in a head wound, Parky decided we couldn't afford the luxury of playing with 10 men for 10 minutes against a hard running side like Swindon were yesterday.
We missed Sam yesterday ........ somebody who could be an outlet when we were under pressure, who could put their foot on the ball, draw oppenents to him and create space for team mates. Midfield for much of the game was all too frenetic.
[cite]Posted By: The Red Robin[/cite]It was a shame Racon went off (Surely he could have carried on? Bailey would have!) as he was starting to control the game and get his foot on the ball more and we were starting to play good football. I'd go with a 4-5-1 next game and drop Shelvey who was awful yesterday for Semedo with Racon up behind Burton.
I'd generally agree with that, but I'd be tempted to play Bailey behind Burton. He's been sitting too deep lately and of all our midfielders he's the one hwo most naturally wants to make tuns into the box in support of the strikers. Let Semedo and Racon sit deeper and play the neat football and free Bailey up to do what he does best which is get into goalscoring positions - give him the Gerrard role if you like.
Jonjo seems to have been struggling a bit to get into games a bit lately. You still get the odd flash of what all the fuss is about, like his shot gainst the bar yesterday, but he doesn't seem to be having the same influence on the game he was. I think if we had a reserve team you'd maybe say he needed to play a few games for the stiffs and try and get hus mojo back, but unfortunately he's going to have to do it in the first team which is tough for a 17 year old (is he 18 yet?)
Very hard to stamp your authority on a game when for 2 games you haven't even been on the bench,then your thrown,back in.
Like most of us on here, I like Jonjo and really want him to do well.
But at the moment he's as inconsistant as anyone, and despite some glimpes of stunning quality, overall he's not really doing it. He's lost a bit of that poise and composure he had on the ball earlier in the season, and yesterday he ended up snatching at the ball instead of control, look up, pass - which was always his trademark.
You can't knock him for effort though - he's a player that gives 100%. Sometimes I feel he's trying too hard, chasing the game and as a result tends to get drawn out of position or suckered into playing too often too deep. Result - our lone frontman gets isolated, and his only service tends to be hopeful long balls from too far away.
We're kidding ourselves if we expect to get a faultless, match winning performance out of him every game - he's still learning his trade. And, at his age, I believe Parky is right to rest him from time to time.
There's a lot more to come from Jonjo. Once he gets a bit of guidance from his manager and others to hold the team shape a little better, and to relax on the ball and look up like he did earlier in the season, he's still going to make a massive contribution to our season.
Remember, many good players hadn't even made their debut at Jonjo's age - so we must keep the consistancy of his performance and our expectations in perspective.
Completely agree with Buckshee. Thought that was an inept performance, we didn't look to have a clue at times. Burton has to start for me, has some intelligence about him and is always looking to hold up and distribute effectively.
Best part of the day for me was the Merlin pub beforehand and meeting some fellow lifers. I can't get away loads but was a good day out finished off nicely by having a drink in Reading with a Swindon fan we met on the train.
"In a cagey affair, the hosts dominated the majority of the first half, and hit the crossbar via Gordon Greer's header. But Charlton utilised their substitutes to good effect as the game dragged on, and were worthy of a point."
Of course, that's only the opinion of the Swindon newspaper.
Good post about Jonjo, Oggy. Some people watch him and think "oh he's nothing special" (didn't Steve Claridge say something like that?) as they expect some kind of outstanding performance. He's not another Wayne Rooney who can play in the Premier League at 16/17. I'm sure plenty of people thought Parker was nothing special at a similar age but he developed well in the end and become our best player.
A lot of it is down to just gaining more experience and improving his consistency, the little things that can make a difference, like that bit more composure or making the right decision. I've thought the same that at times he tries too hard, but he'll judge things like that better with experience and one day probably playing with better players.
[cite]Posted By: Scoham[/cite]Good post about Jonjo, Oggy. Some people watch him and think "oh he's nothing special" (didn't Steve Claridge say something like that?) as they expect some kind of outstanding performance. He's not another Wayne Rooney who can play in the Premier League at 16/17. I'm sure plenty of people thought Parker was nothing special at a similar age but he developed well in the end and become our best player.
A lot of it is down to just gaining more experience and improving his consistency, the little things that can make a difference, like that bit more composure or making the right decision. I've thought the same that at times he tries too hard, but he'll judge things like that better with experience and one day probably playing with better players.
Only seen him once at Prenton Park. Looked mature beyond his years that day. Seems to have been a bit unlucky in front of goal recently. A few great efforts hitting the bar/post etc. Probably actually be better in the Prem/Championship (more time and better pitches). One for next year in the Championship :-)
[cite]Posted By: The Red Robin[/cite]It was a shame Racon went off (Surely he could have carried on? Bailey would have!) as he was starting to control the game and get his foot on the ball more and we were starting to play good football. I'd go with a 4-5-1 next game and drop Shelvey who was awful yesterday for Semedo with Racon up behind Burton.
I'd generally agree with that, but I'd be tempted to play Bailey behind Burton. He's been sitting too deep lately and of all our midfielders he's the one hwo most naturally wants to make tuns into the box in support of the strikers. Let Semedo and Racon sit deeper and play the neat football and free Bailey up to do what he does best which is get into goalscoring positions - give him the Gerrard role if you like.
Jonjo seems to have been struggling a bit to get into games a bit lately. You still get the odd flash of what all the fuss is about, like his shot gainst the bar yesterday, but he doesn't seem to be having the same influence on the game he was. I think if we had a reserve team you'd maybe say he needed to play a few games for the stiffs and try and get hus mojo back, but unfortunately he's going to have to do it in the first team which is tough for a 17 year old (is he 18 yet?)
This is a better idea than mine. I agree Bailey would benefit in the free role more than Racon would. Jonjo on the bench for me as at this moment in time as Bailey, Semedo and Racon are better players.
Comments
a point at swindon is now a good thing so happy with that
but the longer we keep leaking goals(10 games without a clean sheet) and with our currently punchless attack(thank god for our own paul scholes) the further the automatics will become from our reach ...
can't belive burton didn't start, if apko's a better option to burton then i'm an optimist
There is still a long way to go and we are only six points from Norwich and still to play them at home. One weekend where they lose and we win and we are right back in it. The fact that we are still picking up points whilst playing so badly is a good sign which could make a huge difference at the end of the season. Once Norwich hit their little spell of bad form they may not be so lucky in picking up points. Leeds will be under huge pressure not to blow it again which could also work in our favour.
Then all of a sudden, Racon started getting on the ball, we started to keep the ball on the deck and we forced a corner and then hit the bar shortly afterwards, half time came too soon for us at that stage.
Jose probably should have started in a game like yesterday, especially in a 4-5-1 and he definitely steadied the ship (I thought Bailey was lucky not to be withdrawn), but we seemed to revert to the long ball stuff. Losing Racon didn't help because he was playing quite well and seemed to be the one who was going to put his foot on the ball and try and get us ticking. His ability to carry the ball through the midfield was also opening up the odd gap in the Swindon defence.
We had Swindon at arms length but we were getting nowhere near them either - Akpodje wasn't winning a great deal in the air, and when he did no-one was running past him to collect the flick-ons. His hold up play wasn't great either, his first touch can be as bad as anyone at the club at times and he seems slow to decide what to do once he has the ball at his feet. Didn't look that quick yesterday either - I don't think he won a foot race all afternoon, so can't really agree with Parky the he had an excellent afternoon, although he kept trying to put himself about.
I don't want to single out Akpo though, Bailey, Jonjo, Wagstaff and Richardson were all guilty of being very wasteful in possession at times. It's also pointless looking for a lone striker to win lots of flick-ons because without a pacy strike partner, there's never going to be anyone to collect them. If we're going to play that way, the long balls need to be to chest and feet and really we should be playing Burton.
Burton wasn't at his very best but you could see the difference when he came on. A great example was a cross Burton played to Akodje who was 15 yards out with his back to goal, but not being physically pressurised by anyone. The ball just skewed off his boot and was cleared. A few minutes later Burton collected a near identical ball from Reid, whilst being marked. He controlled instantly and turned it to his left for Bailey to smash in the equaliser. I think Burton's looked a bit flat in recent weeks, but this highlighted how he's the one bit of quality we have up front.
The positive to take from the game is that we've gone away to one of the best side in the divison and I've no doubt we'd have won if we'd played towards our best - Swindon were no great shakes and our own mistakes, particularly slack passing, were as much to blame for their early pressure as their own ability (although they did pressurise us on the ball well). We probably produced three passing moves of the quality we were producing regualrly at the start of the season and we got a corner from one, hit the bar from another, and scored with the third. (Why can't the players realise that was what was working and keep doing it, instead of reverting to hit and hope at the first opportunity?)
The trouble is, another week goes by without us really hitting top gear and if we don't do it soon we can forget automatic promotion. I still believe we're at least the third best side in this division though so we must hope we're confident and in good form should it come down to the play-offs because I'd make us favourites for them if we are. If we're in this form we'll have to hope we can draw three games and win 2 on penalties!
LMAO, Rothko !
Swindon don't have a great deal of quality about their play - which is why, for all their dominance at times, they created so few real chances. But you can see how they must have physically battered Leeds and won 3-0.
They took the game to their opponents like a home side should, and forced us to play like an away side.
That's the way it was until the last 15 minutes.
Swindon don't give you time on the ball, and they push you right back. In the circumstances, I thought we defended pretty determinedly and credit should be given for that. IMO it was the midfield that was the problem - Swindon were in their faces so quickly, we just didn't seem to have an outlet under pressure never seeming to retain possession or surrendering it cheaply. Which of course meant Swindon just came back at us again.
In games like this, we need players to show a good first touch, composure and who can retain posession - rather than afraid to hold the ball.
The changes throughout the 2nd half, step by step started to make a positive difference. First Semedo gave our defence a bit more protection and we didn't have to defend so deep. Solly coming on, gave pace and sheer enthusiasm all down the left side and Basey moving into LM gave better team shape.
But Burton was the difference. The moment he came on we looked a different side, starting to move the ball around better and gradually taking the game to Swindon, pushing them back as they tired - notice how many late goals Swindon concede?
One encouraging point - whatever people think of the overall Charlton performance, one thing must be recognised:
we might be giving teams a goal start, but count the times we've come back from behind......!
Last season's team would have folded. There's a resilience and fighting spirit amongst this year's Charlton side.
I know I get accused of positive spin, lol ..... but we'll have any number of posters who'll just say in frustration because we haven't effortlessly won 3-0, that the performance was shit, we should have lost 10-0, blah, blah.
But of course there's far more to any game than that.
All I've tried to do is analyse how both sides played, point out where I saw some things were going wrong and why.
But I'll also mention stuff that we did well - and give credit where it is due.
This is very true Oggs. All these draws won't get us promoted but they are at least giving us something to cling onto. At least you feel there is always hope this season and I think all the come from behind points fly in the face of those who say we're not mentally tough enough to tackle the play-offs.
Just when I'm about to go and rip my own head off after reading on here how bad we are somehow you step up and slot in a last minute bit of positivity:-)
Phew...for a moment back there I even began to contemplate a hobby.....;-)
COYR
This thing about the opposition closing our midfield down quickly has really become a pattern of late.
Invariably are hurried into a mistake or we struggle to find the right pass and end up going backwards and then hoofing it long and more often than not surrender possession.
At home the crowd starts to get frustrated and the team seems to sense the vibe and lose all composure.
Anyways, anybody else think that Bailey's goal yesterday could maybe be the most important he'll score all season?
Lose yesterday and they would have been breathing down our neck with games in hand; and we would have been dfeated and demorilised.
As it is they are no closer and we live to fight another day.
I have been won over by Parky this season though, so am hoping he is working on that settled side. We looked a slick passing machine early on - we need to get back to that style of play and form.
Just watched the goals again on the ol' Sky+ box a realised It was actually Akpo that crossed for Burton, not Reid, so well done to him for that. My general point about his performance yesterday stands, though. Whether Akpo didn't play very well, or he was being asked to play in a way that doesn't best suit him, Burton has to be the 1 in a 4-5-1 for me.
Teams are realising we're get at-able. Time for players like Racon, Sam and Jonjo to start showing that superior technique and get back to that fluent pass and move football from earlier in the season - if you're never standing still, you're very hard to close down. Bailey's all-round performances have been a bit of colour too, although the goals are still priceless. To be fair I thought Racon was starting to put his foot on the ball yesterday but then he went off injured. Bailey and Jonjo were both a bit flustered in possession though.
But he still got those challenges in.
Akpo is a great physical presence up front, something we've lacked all season. But as you and others have pointed out, 1st touch and finesse is not the sharpest point of his game. Playing as lone striker isolated from a too deep midfield is asking too much of him.
Put another player alongside or close behind him, someone with intelligence, vision, good movement and 1st touch - and we have a decent pairing. As Burton showed yesterday in his cameo.
But if it's deemed 4-5-1 is the best formation for certain games then, agreed - it has to be Burton as lone striker.
My view.... don't underestimate the value of that last minute equaliser, it may just spur us on. Happy to go 4 5 1 away, please though 4 4 2 at home
I hope Akpo gets better and I think he will, but that lack of decent hold up play from him was a big reason why Swindon had lots of the ball. We all want to see triers in our team, but you need to be more than just a trier if we want to get promoted.
Against a big physical Swindon defence who like to play a high line, Parky made the change to bring Jonjo into the side to feed off the scraps from Akpo, hoping that Jonjo would be servicing our 2 speedy wingers to do their stuff.
The reason it didn't happen in that first 30 mins was because Akpo found himself isolated from the midfield and without support; Jonjo tends to chase the ball all across the park when we're under pressure and we lose that team shape. When we defend on our 18 yard line, our midfield is drawn back to protect a too deep lying defence - and of course too far back from Akpo, so try to reach him with a hopeful long ball aimed vaguely in his direction.
And naturally posession is surrendered and back come the opposition to put our still deep lying defence under further pressure. Certainly was generally the story of our day for the first 70 mins against Swindon.
And thanks Oggy for stalking me in the pub
It was a shame Racon went off (Surely he could have carried on? Bailey would have!) as he was starting to control the game and get his foot on the ball more and we were starting to play good football. I'd go with a 4-5-1 next game and drop Shelvey who was awful yesterday for Semedo with Racon up behind Burton. All in all a point gained I think. Swindon is a difficult place to go and they have won the last 6 at home and only lost once there all season. In isolation this was a good point.
I'd generally agree with that, but I'd be tempted to play Bailey behind Burton. He's been sitting too deep lately and of all our midfielders he's the one hwo most naturally wants to make tuns into the box in support of the strikers. Let Semedo and Racon sit deeper and play the neat football and free Bailey up to do what he does best which is get into goalscoring positions - give him the Gerrard role if you like.
Jonjo seems to have been struggling a bit to get into games a bit lately. You still get the odd flash of what all the fuss is about, like his shot gainst the bar yesterday, but he doesn't seem to be having the same influence on the game he was. I think if we had a reserve team you'd maybe say he needed to play a few games for the stiffs and try and get hus mojo back, but unfortunately he's going to have to do it in the first team which is tough for a 17 year old (is he 18 yet?)
Anyway, thought we were poor again, but a point is a decent result. To play badly and not get beaten isnt the end of the world.
Deon changed the game when he come on. Dont rate Akpo, its like he is running with ski's on. Cant right anymore at the moment as i got the shakes. Off to bed for some catch up sleep.
Great to see you again, Nathan.
How did you manage to get out of bed so early .... ?
Parky said he didn't really want to sub Racon - but as Racon needed stitches in a head wound, Parky decided we couldn't afford the luxury of playing with 10 men for 10 minutes against a hard running side like Swindon were yesterday.
We missed Sam yesterday ........ somebody who could be an outlet when we were under pressure, who could put their foot on the ball, draw oppenents to him and create space for team mates. Midfield for much of the game was all too frenetic.
Very hard to stamp your authority on a game when for 2 games you haven't even been on the bench,then your thrown,back in.
But at the moment he's as inconsistant as anyone, and despite some glimpes of stunning quality, overall he's not really doing it. He's lost a bit of that poise and composure he had on the ball earlier in the season, and yesterday he ended up snatching at the ball instead of control, look up, pass - which was always his trademark.
You can't knock him for effort though - he's a player that gives 100%. Sometimes I feel he's trying too hard, chasing the game and as a result tends to get drawn out of position or suckered into playing too often too deep. Result - our lone frontman gets isolated, and his only service tends to be hopeful long balls from too far away.
We're kidding ourselves if we expect to get a faultless, match winning performance out of him every game - he's still learning his trade. And, at his age, I believe Parky is right to rest him from time to time.
There's a lot more to come from Jonjo. Once he gets a bit of guidance from his manager and others to hold the team shape a little better, and to relax on the ball and look up like he did earlier in the season, he's still going to make a massive contribution to our season.
Remember, many good players hadn't even made their debut at Jonjo's age - so we must keep the consistancy of his performance and our expectations in perspective.
Best part of the day for me was the Merlin pub beforehand and meeting some fellow lifers. I can't get away loads but was a good day out finished off nicely by having a drink in Reading with a Swindon fan we met on the train.
Of course, that's only the opinion of the Swindon newspaper.
A lot of it is down to just gaining more experience and improving his consistency, the little things that can make a difference, like that bit more composure or making the right decision. I've thought the same that at times he tries too hard, but he'll judge things like that better with experience and one day probably playing with better players.
Only seen him once at Prenton Park. Looked mature beyond his years that day. Seems to have been a bit unlucky in front of goal recently. A few great efforts hitting the bar/post etc. Probably actually be better in the Prem/Championship (more time and better pitches). One for next year in the Championship :-)
This is a better idea than mine. I agree Bailey would benefit in the free role more than Racon would. Jonjo on the bench for me as at this moment in time as Bailey, Semedo and Racon are better players.