http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,2037299,00.html
Charlton sense safety as Pardew gives a Chinese jack of all trades his chance
Paul Weaver at The Valley
Monday March 19, 2007
The Guardian
They stamped their feet and rubbed their hands with desperate vigour to counter the icy winds that blasted here yesterday though it was reasonable to assume that it felt a great deal colder in Sheffield after this result.
Charlton have probably identified Sheffield United as the most vulnerable club outside the bottom three and United, now only four points in front, come to The Valley in a month's time.
Charlton's next two matches are against Wigan and Manchester City, so something less than a miracle is required to avoid relegation, but it would still be an astonishing achievement considering the club's managerial chaos and cut-adrift look for much of the season.
They have taken seven points and scored eight goals in their last three games. They have also conceded only two goals in that time and yesterday there was further evidence that their defence, alarmingly porous for many months, have finally got it together.
According to Alan Pardew, their manager, they need to win four of their remaining eight fixtures to avoid the drop. "We're making everyone a bit nervous," he said. "Whoever plays us now is in for a tough game. If we keep having the moments of quality we had today we can do it."
Yesterday they were without Andy Reid and Ben Thatcher, both hamstrung, but the performance of Zheng Zhi, who scored one goal and was fouled for the penalty that brought the second, was more than adequate compensation.
Zheng, China's captain who was suspended for six months two years ago after attacking a referee, was making his first full appearance for the club as a loan signing and impressed with his vision and versatility. "We thought of playing him at left-back today," said Pardew . He started yesterday wide on the right but moved up front in the second half. "I'm having English lessons but [it] is going very slowly," Zheng said. "The Premier League is very popular in China and I watched a lot of games before I came." His best position, he says, is in the middle of midfield.
Pardew added: "He's a good player with a strong tackle and good technical ability. He suggested in the little cameos he's played for us that he had something. His technical ability is his main asset. He has two good feet and he can fit in.
"Newcastle caused us problems with their diamond formation and we struggles at the start. It was all looking a little nervous." Pardew admitted that he made a mistake in playing Marcus and Darren Bent, who had both been receiving treatment. "We changed it in the second half and were a lot better," he said.
In the first half Newcastle had been the sharper side and they played with an urgency and chirpiness that showed some character considering their harrowing defeat in Europe in midweek and the uncertainties surrounding the club. By the end, though, they looked a dispirited side and this was their third successive match without a goal.
"In the first half I was very pleased with our reaction following the disappointment in Europe," said their manager, Glenn Roeder. "Charlton struggled badly. But in the second half we hit too many long balls to [Antoine] Sibierski. This was a major result for Alan and the fixtures look good for him."
Zheng headed Charlton ahead on 53 minutes after Darren Bent's fierce free-kick from outside the area rebounded from the crossbar. The second goal came in the 88th minute when Nolberto Solano nudged the rampaging Zheng for Jerome Thomas's penalty.
Kieron Dyer came off after taking a knock just above the ankle and is not expected to train with England for two days, though he should be fit for Saturday's match against Israel. But Darren Bent, who also came off after aggravating his knee injury, is unlikely to make it.
Man of the match Zheng Zhi (Charlton)
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Charlton Athletic (0) 2 Newcastle United (0) 0
Zheng Zhi is the most famous footballer in China. Yesterday, he was the most popular footballer in Charlton. The China captain marked his full Premiership debut by scoring a goal and winning a penalty that maintained the gathering momentum of Charlton's escape attempt. Three months ago, the relegation scrap was something that was happening on a television set in Zheng's home 5,000 miles away in north-east China. When you are in as much trouble as Alan Pardew, you are grateful for help from wherever you can get it.
"I hate the idea of must-win games, but this was one," admitted the Charlton manager. The last two home matches have produced two wins and two clean sheets. With Wigan Athletic and Sheffield United still to visit, hope is springing at the Valley. "We are making everyone a bit nervous. Whoever plays against us knows they are in for a tough game. I hope this result means that everyone else down at the bottom has had a horrible afternoon. We can still do it," Pardew added. The gap between Charlton and Sheffield United is now just four points.
Newcastle looked the more likely winners until Zheng struck eight minutes into the second half. Their diamond-shaped midfield sparkled at times with Kieron Dyer the busiest body on show at the forward point of it. But for all the possession and promise, the visitors created only one clear chance. Soon after the interval, Obafemi Martins did well to control an attempted shot from Emre on his chest, but pulled his own effort disappointingly wide on the turn. Five minutes later, Charlton were ahead. They never looked back.
Darren Bent curled a delicious free kick over the wall and beyond the flying Shay Given only to see the ball thud against the cross-bar. While everyone else stood and admired, Zheng raced forward to meet the rebound and loop a header into the unguarded goal. It was his first goal since joining Charlton on loan from the Chinese champions Shandong Luneng soon after Pardew took charge at the turn of the year. The 26-year-old is hoping to do enough to secure a permanent move. His manager is already a fan.
"He has suggested in his cameo appearances as a substitute that there is something in there. His technical ability is his main asset. He has got two good feet and sees a pass."
Three minutes from time, he burst into the Newcastle penalty area only to be checked by Nolberto Solano's mistimed challenge, and Jerome Thomas confirmed the victory with a coolly taken penalty. It was no more than the home team deserved in the end. Once in front, they exhibited the greater drive and desire, and Given made two excellent saves. First, he threw himself to his left to get a hand to a Thomas cross that swung wickedly on the blustery wind, then he beat away a Darren Bent header.
Talal El Karkouri and Souleymane Diawara proved stubborn opponents for Martins and company, and the arrival of Amdy Faye in the second half gave Charlton's defensive operation further insurance. Pardew's arrival has given the team a fresh sense of purpose and resilience, as seven points from their last three games testifies.
Darren Bent's goal threat will be crucial to sustaining the pursuit of those immediately above Charlton in the table. Pardew was concerned about an ankle ligament injury that was reducing his effectiveness and the striker is likely to miss England's 2008 qualifier in Israel this weekend.
Zheng's emergence, therefore, is all the more timely for Charlton.
Speaking through an interpreter, he said he was taking English lessons in an attempt to improve his chances of persuading Charlton to keep him. A goal and a penalty award in such a crucial game will have said more for his chances in any language.
Match details
Charlton (4-4-2): Carson; Young, El Karkouri, Diawara, Hreidarsson; Zheng Zhi, Song (Faye 40), Holland, Thomas; D Bent (Lisbie 83), M Bent (Rommedahl h-t).
Subs: Randolph (g), Bougherra.
Booked: Faye.
Newcastle (4-3-1-2): Given; Solano, Moore, Onyewu, Duff; Milner, Parker, Emre; Dyer (N’Zogbia 76); Martins, Sibierski.
Subs: Harper (g), Bramble, Huntington, Carroll.
Booked: Solano, Parker.
Referee: D Gallagher (Oxon).
Man of the match: Diawara (Charlton).
Att: 27,028.
Charlton's Chinese connection outshines Newcastle
By NEIL ASHTON - More by this author »
After turning to feng shui to save Charlton's season, Alan Pardew may yet be able to rely on the more traditional methods of Zeng Zhi.
Pardew rearranged the tables and chairs at Charlton's training ground following their 3-1 defeat against Middlesbrough in January, but they know exactly where they stand after Zhi scored one and created another yesterday.
Just four points separate Charlton from fourth-bottom Sheffield United this morning and the international break will only add to the tension for the teams hovering around the Premiership trapdoor.
Charlton are in the ascendency, and for that they have the captain of China to thank. After three appearances as a substitute, Zhi finally made his first start against Newcastle and rewarded Pardew's side with three priceless points.
He was the first to respond when Darren Bent's beautifully struck free-kick rebounded off Shay Given's crossbar and he won the 88th-minute penalty that put this match out of Glenn Roeder's reach.
Under Pardew, this is a side suddenly going places and there is a scent of survival in south London.
The Charlton chief has rediscovered his passion for the game and it is that zest, combined with the influence of Zhi, that could see them pull of an improbable escape.
Pardew said: "It was an enormous game for us and I would like to think that it was a bad afternoon for some of the managers of teams around us."
It was certainly another dismal afternoon for Roeder. The Newcastle manager demanded improvements from his side after their depressing defeat in the UEFA Cup against AZ Alkmaar, but he looked on helplessly as Charlton came to terms with their diamond system in the second half.
Scott Parker ran the show against his old club in the opening 45 minutes, but the Newcastle midfielder was shackled by substitute Amdy Faye after the break.
Within seven minutes of the restart, Charlton went ahead when Zhi followed up Bent's free-kick and headed into an empty net.
They even survived Newcastle's 75th minute penalty appeal when Talal El Karkouri appeared to handle inside the area, but they earned the chance to increase their lead when Zhi was brought down by the hapless Nolberto Solano.
Zhi arrived in England with plenty of baggage - he served a six month ban in China after he was found guilty of attacking a referee - and perhaps that was on Dermot Gallagher's mind when he awarded Charlton their 88th minute penalty. Despite the anxiety among the 27,028 supporters crammed into The Valley it was despatched effortlessly by Jerome Thomas, but the real hero was the man Pardew has christened "Zhi-Zhi".
The Charlton chief said: "I don't know too much about his history, but I know he can play. For obvious reasons, it has taken a long time to integrate him, but his cameos suggested he had something to give.
"He's good in the tackle and he certainly won't pull out of anything, but his technical ability is his best asset.
"He can play anywhere and he has two good feet, but I think his best position is around the striker."
Zhi was the difference between the two teams, but Pardew should be credited for the transformation of Soulemayne Diawara, who he produced his best performance for the club since his £3.4m move from Sochaux last summer.
His one lapse of an otherwise faultless afternoon allowed Martins the chance to put Newcastle in front in the 49th minute, but he skewed his effort scandalously wide of Scott Carson's post.
Defeat leaves Newcastle labouring midtable and the depressing prospect for their loyal supporters on their 650 round trip home last night is another InterToto Cup campaign.
Roeder said: "That's what we have to face up to and that could be the opportunity for us to get back into Europe.
"That is the challenge for the football club and we will keep working towards that. I demanded a reaction after our UEFA Cup defeat and in some ways I got it.
"We dominated possession in the first half and we should have scored when Obafemi Martins had a chance from six or seven yards out.
"That could have been the difference, but I'm disappointed with the number of long balls we pumped towards Antoine Sibierski after they took the lead. That is not the Newcastle way, but I will deal with it."
Newcastle certainly need to clear the air after their UEFA Cup exit, but the dark clouds will hover over St James's Park for a little longer. Midfielder Emre will attend an FA disciplinary hearing at Soho Square today to answer charges of racism stemming back to an incident during their 3-0 defeat at Everton last December.
2I can't answer questions about it," added Roeder. Whether Emre can provide the answers is another matter. ENDS
Zheng repays Pardew's faith
Charlton Athletic 2 Newcastle United 0: China captain boosts London club’s survival hopes
Tom Dart
ZInédine Zidane retired only last summer but European football already has a new ZZ. Never mind Barclays Premiership clubs trying to expand into China, yesterday China expanded into the Premiership as Zheng Zhi, the country’s captain, scored and created a second goal on his full debut for Charlton Athletic.
With seven points from their past three matches, Charlton are four points behind Sheffield United, who are seventeenth, and their run-in looks kind. “We’re making everyone a bit nervous,” Alan Pardew, the Charlton manager, said. “Whoever plays us is going to have a tough game.”
Charlton fans will be grateful to Pardew’s short-lived and unloved predecessor, Les Reed, because Zheng had a trial under his management. In January, Pardew formalised a loan deal until the end of the season with Zheng’s club, Shangdong Luneng, but he had made only three substitute appearances until yesterday.
“He’s suggested in his cameos that there was something there. He’s a good player who’s finding his feet,” Pardew said. “I’ve taken a long time to integrate him.” Once banned for six months for spitting at a referee, Zheng’s physical strength caused Newcastle problems. “He’s got a tackle in him, he’s not the type to pull out,” Pardew said. “I toyed with playing him at left back which suggests he can play anywhere.”
Yesterday he was most menacing when moved to an advanced role in the second half, when he developed an understanding with the half-fit Darren Bent. Zheng reacted quickest to head in the rebound when Bent’s free kick hit the crossbar. He lashed over a simple chance after Shay Given made an exceptional save from a close-range header by Bent midway through the second half and won a penalty late on when he went down — easily — under a challenge from Nolberto Solano. Jerome Thomas converted the penalty.
Kieron Dyer picked up an injury in the first half but he played on and Glenn Roeder, the Newcastle manager, said he will be fine. “He took a kick above the ankle. He might not train for a couple of days, but he will certainly be fit for England,” Roeder said.
In the second half, Newcastle ought to have had a penalty when Talal El Karkouri appeared to handle a cross by Dyer and Obafemi Martins shot just wide from seven yards, but generally they were predictably lukewarm after the Uefa Cup exit last Thursday that sent their season to the scrapyard.
It did not seem possible until recently, but Charlton’s campaign now has a strong sense of purpose. Optimism, even.
Charlton Athletic 2 Newcastle United 0: Zheng gives Charlton a belief in their destiny
By Glenn Moore
Published: 19 March 2007
When a Premiership club signs a player from the Far East there is always the suspicion, often well-founded, that their arrival owes more to marketing than football. Yesterday Zheng Zhi, Charlton's loaned Chinese import, showed he is here to do more than sell shirts.
On his first start for the club the China captain scored the opening goal, then won the penalty from which Jerome Thomas struck the second as Charlton gave themselves real hope of avoiding the drop. Charlton shirts will doubtless be changing hands this morning on the streets of Jinan, where Zheng plays for Shandong Luneng, but his value to Charlton lies in the £40m reward for playing in next season's Premiership.
This victory hauled them within four points of Sheffield United and six of Wigan and Manchester City. When the Premiership resumes Charlton play Wigan at home, then Manchester City away. By Easter Saturday morning they could be out of the bottom three for the first time since September.
"We're making everyone a bit nervous," said Alan Pardew, their manager. "If we keep producing these performances, we could do it." Newcastle's manager, Glenn Roeder, agreed: "Their destiny is in their own hands. I think the fixture list is one they would want."
This fixture could have been hand-picked by Pardew, Newcastle having played, and lost, in the Uefa Cup in Alkmaar on Thursday. Add their injury crisis, which forced Roeder to field Nolberto Solano and Damien Duff as full-backs, and it seemed a home banker. But Charlton are in the relegation zone for a reason and they were out-played in a desperately poor first half.
At the interval Pardew rejigged his team, moving Zheng, who had played on the right flank, into the hole. He immediately looked happier and Charlton more cohesive. Zheng later explained, via an interpreter: "We do not often play in China with two wingers. To play on the right was unusual for me, but I did it for the team. In the second half I played in my best position."
Pardew said: "He has two good feet and is one of those players who can fit in anywhere. He has a tackle in him and we toyed with playing him at left-back. It has taken him a long time to integrate, for obvious reasons, but he has suggested in his cameos there was something there. He is a good player and he is finding his feet."
Zheng, who has served a six-month ban in China for attacking a referee, said he was aware of Mothering Sunday and dedicated his goal to his mother, Qu Li, who was present. His goal followed a free-kick given away when James Milner tripped Darren Bent, who took it himself and struck the bar. With his marker, Kieron Dyer, motionless, and Shay Given stranded, Zheng headed in. "It was a soft free-kick of the type we have been giving away," said Roeder. "I was disappointed the goalscorer was the only player to react."
Newcastle could have been ahead but Obafemi Martins, having controlled Emre's mishit shot on his chest, steered a 48th-minute shot wide from eight yards. Thereafter Roeder's players, whose only remaining interest is the pursuit of an Intertoto Cup place, seemed mentally to head for the beach while Charlton's saw an escape route. From crosses by Thomas, Given clawed away a ball which was drifting inside the far post, then made a point-blank save from Darren Bent's header. Bent then hit the side-netting after Craig Moore missed a Dennis Rommedahl cross. Bent is not fully fit and is not expected to travel to Israel with England.
Newcastle briefly broke out, Dyer slaloming into the box. His cross was handled by Tahar El Karkouri but Dermot Gallagher, who did not have a good game, missed it. He was more observant when Solano nudged Zheng in the box with three minutes left. Thomas converted coolly. The Valley of despair is now The Valley of hope.
Constant references to chop suey, kung-fu, take aways, etc. I thought that paper was supposed to be left wing!