Good first half performance from us and it was always going to be tighter in the second. Fair play to Preston who didn't shut up shop and kept digging away at us but I felt SCP got the subs wrong today.
Fair enough Bradley's knees can do with as much rest as possible but taking him and Green off at the same time when he could have split it over the remaining 20 minutes so that the side could keep the balance better would have been my preference. And if taking JJ off so that he could get a standing ovation was necessary then do that with a couple of minutes to go not ten.
As much as I do love our Jase, he's no replacement on the wing for JJ. Perhaps we should have Evina on the bench in future??
I also wonder how Dale Stephens will wriggle his way back into the starting eleven soon.
Nevertheless we are top by a nice margin with a healthy GD figure. If we are still there after Xmas I might start letting myself believe we can do it! This is what years of supporting us has done for my optimism!!
5th goal worth the entrance fee alone. 4-0 up a half time it was always going to be difficult to match the half time. Hence we walked the second half I'd have taken a 5-2 at 3.00pm.
This whole thing is getting silly. We have 40 points after 17 games, forty points guys!
As usual today there were spells of absolute outstanding play, some stand out moments were the BWP effort that just went over, some fantastic control from Kermit early on, a Hoddlesque long crossfield ball from Hollands to Green who then had his shot deflected for a corner, loads of great moments, and yet I feel (two late goals notwithstanding) we have played better than that already this season.
A defender scored, get in, and it was Morro who is getting better.
However Preston were shockingly bad for 75 minutes, and the keeper looked like the miserable little kid forced to play in goal by the bigger boys, he had a nightmare, but did pull off one good save late on, but we did not have a lot to contend with until....
The two late goals at the end, the second a really good one. There had been a bit of dicking around in defence in the first half, and a sliced kick by Hamer (whose catching has improved a bit), and I felt a combination of complacency, the disruption to our rhythm caused by our substitutions, and Prestons desire to restore some pride in front of the decent but suffering PNE 500 who stood by their team. So an exhilarating performance in parts, when we were good we were very very good, but when we were average we were punished. Preston were an injury devastated team too.
Chris Powell will now have an opportunity to exert even more authority as he can use our slackness to make a point or two. We now may need to win a few boringly, but we will get punished by Huddersfield if we don't have 'keep a clean sheet' as part of our mindset.
Back to the good though. Isn't it great that we can go to the Valley and enjoy it so much? We were vastly superior to Preston, as we have been to other sides. If we can win by such margins at the moment, then some narrow wins must also be within us in more difficult matches.
I think the club management, and the playing management have been simply excellent so far, but we need to keep the foot on the pedal.
But we did let in two goals after our substitutions. It may not have altered the result but maybe the imbalance created Preston's two chances. If we weren't so far ahead on goals it would have led to one of our classic nervy finishes. We have a fair record of grabbing a draw or defeat from the jaws of victory in the past. Nevermind, we did win and hopefully CP will address the need to focus for the whole 90 minutes, whoever is on the pitch.
Preston started well, did we score from our second shot on goal? The first being when the keeper push it towards Jackson. Thier No. 11 looked a handful, however Morrison kept him under control. Can't believe that the ref didn't book their keeper let alone send him off. Took our foot off the gas for the second half, I felt we could have had 7/8 if we wanted to. Seemed to fall asleep at the end, however thier second goal was taken well.
Still Huddefield carried on with thier unbeaten run, what a team they are.
This is the most ruthless and unforgiving CAFC I've seen in years. As others have pointed out, we weren't necessarily at our best, and PNE were awful. BUT, if we had been (say) Wolves or Stoke, I'd bet that PNE fans would be saying "you can't make those sorts of mistakes against Premiership teams, they will punish you". I'm not saying that we are Prem quality, but we do share the same ability to make the most of any chances which come our way.
The left-side partneship is getting better all the time, and Kermogant was a handful all 90 minutes. I'm happy to let Green keep the starting place, of course Waggy is unlucky, but when a team wins 12 out of 17 there will always be some hard-luck stories on the bench.
Agree with earlier posts about the bench however - Evina a better bet than Jason.
Great performance, we were discussing record victories and season goalscorers at half time. Record victory didn't quite happen but a comfortable win all the same. Didn't think the introduction of Haysy and Waggy added anything to the overall performance but, also, wasn't the reason we leaked the two goals at the end.
I thought Prestons second goal was really sharply taken.
BTW Record victory is 8-1 and thmost goals scored in a season is 32 (as I'm sure you all knew(
That's the second home game running I've thought at half time that we could easily be on for 6 or 7, but it hasn't come off. When was the last time we scored 6? It's simply not good enough. No Plan B. Sack the board.
I felt it was a funny game, up until we scored i thought they were the better team looked very solid pressed the ball high up the pitch.
soon as we scored that was it the bubble burst they shite i and we steam rollered into a 3 goal lead in very quick time
the 4th before halftime was just a little smack in the face for brown who i really dislike for no sensible reason
the 5th was as nice a goal as you will ever see, i really wanted to then see a nasty edge a real killer ruthlessness, it nevere came and we gave 2 silly goals away,1 great turn and finish
i dont think it will do any harm for the players to realise that clean sheets make you a better team than the 5 goals in my opinion,
really enjoyed it, so did nljr nice for him to walk out think cafc arent that shite team that he recalls from seasons past
Excellent for up until we switched off at the end, but we are only switching off when job is done and dusted, previously it has cost us points. We in this thread should not be focussing on the last 5 minutes but the previous 85. I would have loved us to get six only ever seen it once 6 agaisnt swansea city in the 70's, but that is churlish, Wiggins play and cross for the salmon like leap by Holland for the fifth, or Greens run and shot for Jacksons first, Kermits run and determination that won the penalty or the excellent penalty for Jackson and an out of sorts BWP clinically finishing - these are the events that we should be salivating about tonight.
PS What was Hamers problem at the end, had a go at the officials and seemed pretty angry
Incredibly we had to move early in the second half as beside and behind us people were still managing to moan. Incredible! Some exquisite passages of play, and as deft passing as I have seen all season. Wonderful. Sir Chris - is he the new Ferguson?
Seven points clear of third place and a much better goal difference as well - great stuff.
Strange first half, in that virtually every chance seemed to lead to a goal. Made the second half a bit of an anti-climax, but the on pitch reaction to losing the two goals said a lot about the team's own expectations.
The centre back pairing looks strong and as others have said, Wiggins has got real potential and will continue to thrive in games like that when he can keep getting forward.
There will be tougher periods ahead, but no one is going to look forward to playing us.
Thought the whole team played their part in dismantling a poor Preston. Can't wait to see the 5th, stunning work by Rhoys to get the ball over for Hollands header and Jackson was like the proverbial goal poacher bagging the first goal after a screamer from Danny Green. How the keeper, Arestidou, stayed on the pitch after wiping out Kermorgant I will never know and then to see Hamer get booked after Prestons first goal for booting the ball into the crowd in anger was just as puzzling. Since losing to Stevenage we have scored 15 and let in 3 in 4 games. Not going to let those last 2 goals ruin what has been a superb response since losing. Come on you reds and bring on the 'Udders where I will be larging it in the directors box!
Can anyone remember the last time a Charlton side were 4-0 up at the Valley by half time? ( Apart from today of course)
Played some beautiful stuff 1st half , a joy to behold , i know i predicted us to win 3-0 but it was more in hope and bravado , i still had the hangover of our league cup defeat at the Valley , this result certainly rubbed that memory away.
Took our foot of the gas 2nd half , understandably , disappointed we let Preston score 2 goals , perhaps that shows how far we've come , the 2 Preston goals i hope will act as a spur and wakeup call that we need to keep going , bring on Brentford and Huddersfield!
Special mention for Wiggy , he got some pelters at the start of the season , i did say give him time , as he's bound to learn and improve having a former England left back as a Manager, thought he has been great for quite a few games , League 1's version of Gareth Bale , Morrison was immense in defence , just a really all round good team performance, glad to see a bit more daylight between us and Huddersfield as well.
Brighton had 35 points after 17 games , we're on 40 hopefully we can keep it going.
We are the best team in the league- today was a big day because I think supporters of the top clubs are strting to appreciate that now. You get a moment in the season when the realisation hits and I think this is it.
I'm gonna moan. The two goals conceded pissed me right off. We went to sleep in the comfort of our lead. Do that too often and the results will be different. Having said that. Well done but lets be on the ball for the full ninety minutes.
Gotta admit, I got pretty hacked off when we let them score too. Sir Chris thought the same from his post match interview.
In saying that, maybe we're becoming a tad too demanding?! 5-2 ain't that bad...
Incredibly we had to move early in the second half as beside and behind us people were still managing to moan. Incredible!
Jesus, Floyd..! When I picked up the half -time score deep in the Czech countryside, I thought I'll post a sarky comment about whether anyone was booing. But I thought it was too ridiculous to even get a cheap laugh. And now I read this. What were they actually moaning about, for heaven's sake?
We are the best team in the league- today was a big day because I think supporters of the top clubs are strting to appreciate that now. You get a moment in the season when the realisation hits and I think this is it.
I make you right. Brighton's equivalent moment last season was when they hammered us 4-0
What a game, played great just a bit unlucky to concede two late goals.
Wiggins man of the match for me.
p.s. Ive lost my voice.
Wiggins was immense. The guy just keeps on getting better. A player who can attack and defend equally as well as he does shouldn't be in this league. Hopefully he won't have to be for much longer!
Oh boy, those Preston directors looked mega p*****d off. Thought Swisdom's daughter was fantastic and oh yes, quite enjoyed the game as well. Can't ever remember nipping into Curry's after a game and having the staff show delight at our results. BWP goes top of the L1 leader board, life is sweet.
phil brown said that we are the besty team he has faced this season, didnt really big us up but did say we have good players in every postion and a strong bench,
good to hear wonder what them in sheff and huddersfield think i reckon they still underestimate us
phil brown said that we are the besty team he has faced this season, didnt really big us up but did say we have good players in every postion and a strong bench,
good to hear wonder what them in sheff and huddersfield think i reckon they still underestimate us
Yes i was wondering if the 'strong' bench had come from Ikea?
Comments
Don't think I've seen a worse 45mins from an oppo defence for an age.
We've played much better than that this season, good sign.
Felt the two late goals took the gloss off it a bit. We became very casual (perhaps with good reason) towards the end.
Personally think CP should re-evaluate the bench. Can't see a spot for Euell myself. Think Evina would be a better bet.
4-0 up a half time it was always going to be difficult to match the half time. Hence we walked the second half
I'd have taken a 5-2 at 3.00pm.
This whole thing is getting silly. We have 40 points after 17 games, forty points guys!
As usual today there were spells of absolute outstanding play, some stand out moments were the BWP effort that just went over, some fantastic control from Kermit early on, a Hoddlesque long crossfield ball from Hollands to Green who then had his shot deflected for a corner, loads of great moments, and yet I feel (two late goals notwithstanding) we have played better than that already this season.
A defender scored, get in, and it was Morro who is getting better.
However Preston were shockingly bad for 75 minutes, and the keeper looked like the miserable little kid forced to play in goal by the bigger boys, he had a nightmare, but did pull off one good save late on, but we did not have a lot to contend with until....
The two late goals at the end, the second a really good one. There had been a bit of dicking around in defence in the first half, and a sliced kick by Hamer (whose catching has improved a bit), and I felt a combination of complacency, the disruption to our rhythm caused by our substitutions, and Prestons desire to restore some pride in front of the decent but suffering PNE 500 who stood by their team. So an exhilarating performance in parts, when we were good we were very very good, but when we were average we were punished. Preston were an injury devastated team too.
Chris Powell will now have an opportunity to exert even more authority as he can use our slackness to make a point or two. We now may need to win a few boringly, but we will get punished by Huddersfield if we don't have 'keep a clean sheet' as part of our mindset.
Back to the good though. Isn't it great that we can go to the Valley and enjoy it so much? We were vastly superior to Preston, as we have been to other sides. If we can win by such margins at the moment, then some narrow wins must also be within us in more difficult matches.
I think the club management, and the playing management have been simply excellent so far, but we need to keep the foot on the pedal.
COYR
Still Huddefield carried on with thier unbeaten run, what a team they are.
This is the most ruthless and unforgiving CAFC I've seen in years. As others have pointed out, we weren't necessarily at our best, and PNE were awful. BUT, if we had been (say) Wolves or Stoke, I'd bet that PNE fans would be saying "you can't make those sorts of mistakes against Premiership teams, they will punish you". I'm not saying that we are Prem quality, but we do share the same ability to make the most of any chances which come our way.
The left-side partneship is getting better all the time, and Kermogant was a handful all 90 minutes. I'm happy to let Green keep the starting place, of course Waggy is unlucky, but when a team wins 12 out of 17 there will always be some hard-luck stories on the bench.
Agree with earlier posts about the bench however - Evina a better bet than Jason.
On we go....
post match view: I think I'm dreaming!
Great performance, we were discussing record victories and season goalscorers at half time. Record victory didn't quite happen but a comfortable win all the same. Didn't think the introduction of Haysy and Waggy added anything to the overall performance but, also, wasn't the reason we leaked the two goals at the end.
I thought Prestons second goal was really sharply taken.
BTW Record victory is 8-1 and thmost goals scored in a season is 32 (as I'm sure you all knew(
I felt it was a funny game, up until we scored i thought they were the better team looked very solid pressed the ball high up the pitch.
soon as we scored that was it the bubble burst they shite i and we steam rollered into a 3 goal lead in very quick time
the 4th before halftime was just a little smack in the face for brown who i really dislike for no sensible reason
the 5th was as nice a goal as you will ever see, i really wanted to then see a nasty edge a real killer ruthlessness, it nevere came and we gave 2 silly goals away,1 great turn and finish
i dont think it will do any harm for the players to realise that clean sheets make you a better team than the 5 goals in my opinion,
really enjoyed it, so did nljr nice for him to walk out think cafc arent that shite team that he recalls from seasons past
PS What was Hamers problem at the end, had a go at the officials and seemed pretty angry
Incredible!
Some exquisite passages of play, and as deft passing as I have seen all season.
Wonderful.
Sir Chris - is he the new Ferguson?
Strange first half, in that virtually every chance seemed to lead to a goal.
Made the second half a bit of an anti-climax, but the on pitch reaction to losing the two goals said a lot about the team's own expectations.
The centre back pairing looks strong and as others have said, Wiggins has got real potential and will continue to thrive in games like that when he can keep getting forward.
There will be tougher periods ahead, but no one is going to look forward to playing us.
just looked and paddy power now actually make us favourites to win the league. Still only marginally though . Us 15/8, Udds 2/1 swed 5/1 and sunt 10/1
phil brown said that we are the besty team he has faced this season, didnt really big us up but did say we have good players in every postion and a strong bench,
good to hear wonder what them in sheff and huddersfield think i reckon they still underestimate us