Cant help but think that Kermy would be a fantastic signing for us. Never know! Stranger things have happened.
That was then this is now. Loved Yann but he wanted out and I personally wouldn't want to see him back. Move on.
Is that just stubbornness?
Because there is no way that he wouldn't be an incredible addition to this current side up top with Igor.
A bit perhaps and yes we do need a player who can hold the ball up but it's not YK for me. His departure is well documented and he wanted away for his career and more money. I don't blame him but I wouldn't want him back.
Mute point anyway. Not one chance in a million that RD would sanction it.
He wanted more security for his career and deserved to be treated a bit better (as in getting a bit more money).
There isn't a better 'support' striker or hold up player in this division.
Thought we played very well against opponents who were always going to be tough.
They were playing dirty from the off - hence the penalty by the keeper early on (think it was about 6 mins). Should have walked off the pitch. They were getting "injured" or pushing and shoving every chance they could get. I think had they put the same effort into playing the game they might have done better.
Said to my brother-in-law that I was surprised we pushed back against them and got so many yellows ourselves. Back in Chris Powells tenure, I was always of the opinion that he refused to allow the team to push back against dirty players and risk yellows. Not so under Bob - think he told the boys to get out there and give the opposition bloody hell.
Against such a side it was hard to find the back of the net, so it was fortuitous that they gave away that penalty. Good we kept a clean sheet - credit to Henderson, Bikey (f***ing monster) and Ben Haim for keeping it solid and also for keeping a tight leash on Troy Deaney. Harriott and Moussa were disappointing. Gudmunsson was working for a goal before being subbed - the injury he had when out on International duties looks like is bothering him. Wondering if Johnny Jackson has fitness issues. Who stepped up as Captain when he was subbed off?
We need a result against Wolves which won't be an easy game either. Up the Addicks!!
Big Bob excitable at the end and nutting TBH after the final whistle. Love it.
Missed that, StevieG but Big Bob definitely seems to wear his heart on his sleeve & I love him for it !
Definitely fast becoming "one of us ".
Ha, ha! Love it. Agree he's fast becoming a legend. But won't be that shocked if RD sends him on his way at the end of the season. His contract is roll on, roll off!
It's probably all been said but we're lucky to have got away with three points there. We were never overly troubled by Watford but that was more to do with their poor finishing as if they'd put one of their chances away I think we would have been in deep trouble. Buyens was class, distributed the ball calmly and intelligently but the people he passed to didn't always move it on as well. Wiggins looked almost good but only really contributed well chasing back and blocking crosses. Cousins provides a good link with him cutting in and he followed the runner better than he has recently today but there's still something not quite right in their link up play.
We were very happy to let them control possession, but with this in mind what really worried me was the way they still got runners in behind on the overlap. If your plan is to sit back and restrict the space the opposition has to work in then they shouldn't be getting runners to the bye-line as easily as Watford were, and we were lucky to have a combination of poor crossing from Watford and excellent keeping from Henderson to thank to Watford not punishing us.
Despite their possession, had we scored one of our breakaways Bob would have been a very happy man; score early, keep them out then hit them on the counter when they get desperate. If Moussa and Harriott had been smarter with possession it would have been a perfect performance. Well, for an away match anyway. Moussa was definitely the main culprit though. Couldn't keep it in the corner and a couple of times lost the ball when up against the first man on a break. Yet to be convinced by him in a Charlton shirt. We need to work on more creative possession play but so far we've won our home games and drawn our aways so can't be anything other than happy at the moment. Well done Charlton
We played great football and dominated for the first 15-20 minutes, then it was mostly Watford and a mix of us defending well, Keeper having a great game and Watford's poor finishing. Bizarre that that was our first clean sheet of the season but equally you can see why that was our first clean sheet of the season.
The football is clearly better overall but yet to be convinced we're doing anything other than over achieving so far. Clearly we have technically better players than recent years but at the same time there's still lots of silly passing mistakes and being caught in possession. basically we still give the ball away to easy. Also too much sitting back and hoping the other team don't take their chances as far as I'm concerned. The subs that came on, namely Moussa, were atrocious and put us into more trouble when they had chance to alleviate it. Not really a problem to me overall as not being relegated is still acceptable this year as so many things are changing. Those on here that bizarrely think we should be challenging for play offs every year no matter what the reality may be in for a tough season again though!
Watford are a good squad and will be contending the upper part of the league this year so at the end of the day it's a great result. They play good passing football (as we do) and can clearly score goals usually. But they also have that unlikeable falling over and taking players out off the ball cynical streak to their game (not that they'll admit it as they do seem to have become up their own arse in recent years). Ah well, good luck to them, they will have a good season this year I think. If we can be close to them at the end of the season we will have done well.
Overall a great result and we are doing well. But far to early, and to much evidence to the contrary, to say we are a good team that deserves to be where we are. Gonna be an enjoyable season I think though whatever happens.
And finally...Watford fans singing about shite support. Clearly either being ironic or they've never been to Vicarage Road.
We lost the middile after about 30 mins in imo. Thought wiggins had a torid afternoon but stuck with it and Solly got better as the game wore on. Lost something from the team when Gudmunson went off as he is a quality player. Lucky to get the win but hey ho I'll take the 3 points thankyou and we still look like a work in progress, need to bring in a midfielder and a striker.
Wiggins was back to his best - really cant remember a better left back we have ever had
We lost the middile after about 30 mins in imo. Thought wiggins had a torid afternoon but stuck with it and Solly got better as the game wore on. Lost something from the team when Gudmunson went off as he is a quality player. Lucky to get the win but hey ho I'll take the 3 points thankyou and we still look like a work in progress, need to bring in a midfielder and a striker.
Wiggins was back to his best - really cant remember a better left back we have ever had
As my son missed his first league game of the season (going to Rotherham to make up for it) came by train instead and left at final whistle missing the tunnel jump for the first time.
We lost the middile after about 30 mins in imo. Thought wiggins had a torid afternoon but stuck with it and Solly got better as the game wore on. Lost something from the team when Gudmunson went off as he is a quality player. Lucky to get the win but hey ho I'll take the 3 points thankyou and we still look like a work in progress, need to bring in a midfielder and a striker.
Wiggins was back to his best - really cant remember a better left back we have ever had
Big Bob excitable at the end and nutting TBH after the final whistle. Love it.
Missed that, StevieG but Big Bob definitely seems to wear his heart on his sleeve & I love him for it !
Definitely fast becoming "one of us ".
Ha, ha! Love it. Agree he's fast becoming a legend. But won't be that shocked if RD sends him on his way at the end of the season. His contract is roll on, roll off!
I know, I know.
These days it's best not to be a one man woman IYKWIM...
We lost the middile after about 30 mins in imo. Thought wiggins had a torid afternoon but stuck with it and Solly got better as the game wore on. Lost something from the team when Gudmunson went off as he is a quality player. Lucky to get the win but hey ho I'll take the 3 points thankyou and we still look like a work in progress, need to bring in a midfielder and a striker.
Wiggins was back to his best - really cant remember a better left back we have ever had
You must be quite young mate.
I wish
Then you're really old and your memory's not what it was ;-)
I know Igor gets the headlines but Yoni Buyens is our best player by miles. Can't believe he's playing for us
A very good player indeed but Igor makes the difference because he frightens defenders with his pace; his heading ability in the box; and his huge appetite for hard work!
FFS everyone we did a job on Watford today. They are no where near Derby and if Chelski or Manure had performed against any top team as we did today people would be wetting themselves. Yes it wasn't pretty at times but we got the 3 points. All the players did their jobs, except at the end when we should of made it safe from one of the counters we had. Roll on Tuesday.
Big Bob excitable at the end and nutting TBH after the final whistle. Love it.
Missed that, StevieG but Big Bob definitely seems to wear his heart on his sleeve & I love him for it !
Definitely fast becoming "one of us ".
It was on the SSN goals express and as he celebrates with TBH he gives him a friendly headbutt. Probably to make up for the rollicking BP gave TBH after the Brighton game!
While we're celebrating lets not forget that Watford players pulled Igor back at least three times in about 20 minutes in the first half after the penalty, the dirty cheating b*****s.
I know Igor gets the headlines but Yoni Buyens is our best player by miles. Can't believe he's playing for us
A very good player indeed but Igor makes the difference because he frightens defenders with his pace; his heading ability in the box; and his huge appetite for hard work!
Really good to see a disagreement about which of our quality players are the best ! Excellent to have some real quality in the team.
First half overall I'd say we looked like the better side. A fantastic move to create the penalty, lovely play from Cousins as well as great positioning from our one and only Igor to get in, Gomes was lucky to still be on the pitch. Can't think of any clear cut chances that Watford actually created in that first half.
I am slightly concerned by the fact that when we start a game so well and deservedly take the lead, we seem to sit back and a little too deep after. Can't really remember that many that put a foot wrong in the first half, but let's just say I was relieved to get to half time as we were conceding possession a little too easily and I didn't think Jacko had one of his best games today, he looked off the pace to me, especially compared with Buyens who was a class act from start to finish.
Second half they had a lot more possession although whatever pressure they threw at us we seemed to absorb, despite a few clear cut chances this half which Henderson saved us, two occasions I seem to remember, the second one on one save when he dived at the strikers feet was incredible. I have to give a special mention to Bikey, I thought he was incredible today, solid as a rock. Felt Moussa and Harriot struggled to adapt to the pace of the game, it was so stretched by the end, that was understandable.
Just a little individual half analysis from me, some others have given more in much better detail but I have to say guys, I am, regrettably starting to dream. I wish I wasn't, but I am. I said to a mate of mine that I went to the game with today, I wish we hadn't won today because I feel we could actually do something this season, oh well, sod it!
Another 3 points in the bag at the hands of a side who are also early promotion favourites. My MOM was Bikey closely followed by Henderson. Says a lot about the game. The fact that we defended and didn't concede against the highest scorers in the league for 93 minutes says a lot about our teams capability.
It was an excellent resolute performance against a quality Watford side. Great penalty. Charlton played some really nice passing football in the first 20 minutes. The applause on 10 mins for David Whyte was really good. Fair play to Watford supporters, with many of them joining in.
Watford looked really strong for the second part of the first half. Charlton lost shape a bit but hung in there. Vetokele pace helped unsettle the Watford defence. Watford undermined their momentum by some niggly challenges and fouls. It is a side of their game that does them no favours. They would be a better team without it. Watford deserved all of their first half 4 yellow cards. Deeney should have tried to score when past TBH instead of falling over when feeling TBH close by.
Happy to get to half time at 1-0. Watford pushed forward but didn't do enough. Vetekele carried enough of threat to make the Watford defence think. A couple of great stops from Henderson and much improved distribution. Referee was a bit inconsistent and seemed to want to level the bookings up. Solly had great attacking full back play and worked well with Wilson.
Perfectly timed second half substitutions by Bob Peeters. It helped the team to look forward. I like Moussa he always plays forward. I know he lost composure in good positions, but I think with a bit of decent coaching he will get there.
Excellent to come away with 9 points against strong WIgan, Derby and Watford sides. The quality of football is better than has been at the Valley for some time. The team is not perfect by any stretch, but it is a very promising foundation.
It's never comfortable to watch your team on the back foot and under constant pressure but the art of defending is as big a part of the game as anything else - ask David Moyes. Today, we saw, for the first time I can remember, a back four in CAFC shirts that was exceptional. They were not just solid, they worked for each other, supported each other and worked their socks off - and they had a keeper behind them who looked so safe. Buyens in midfield looks a class act, a real playmaker. Tucudean is not everyone's cup of tea yet but he's shaping and could be the YK replacement we've been seeking - and a much younger version. Igor - what can I say - a class above. I've rarely seen a Charlton support silenced, almost en masse, by the actions of new owners and Management. We were outraged when Sir Chris went, shocked when Jose wasn't offered the job and yet, here we are, 6 months since Sir Chris departed and there is a huge feel good factor all over the club. Statistics show Charlton to have been under the cosh today but I see it differently. We played an exceptional game and worked our socks off - that is why we won. The squad may need further strengthening as games like today put immense pressure on the players - it's a lot less demanding when you are in possession. Finally, delighted Jose Riga got a decent result today and sincerely wish him well.
Got lucky today. If Deeney had taken that chance straight after our goal I fear it may have been a battering. I felt that was like one of Premiership home games against one of the big sides where we knew we had a good side but we were so ordinary and just sat back and got battered.
Defence was quality today though and Henderson had an absolute blinder, some straight forward saves but I think the one that was most vital was where he came out of his goal to Dyer, made himself look big and pulled off a terrific save. Our first clean sheet of the season!
That being said, sound like a broken record but same problems from the Derby and Huddersfield games. So static again, so tight with our passes and as their full backs were pressing particularly high up the pitch, we'd give the ball away within a matter of seconds. Also we gave them so much time on the ball, the defence was rarely pressured or bothered on the ball, played through to the midfield without much trouble and they made so many chances so easily, that's the real worry.
Again, I thought Jackson was anonymous today. People say the midfield was lost when he came off, sorry but the midfield battle was lost after about 20 minutes today. Make him club captain a la Vermaelen was at Arsenal and move Cousins into the centre, it was him winning the ball in the middle of the park at running at the defence that created the assist for the penalty.
Tucudean given his presence was poor at holding the ball up today and barely shifted himself about the pitch. I thought we should've brought Church on instead of Moussa, he may not be able to hit an elephants arse with a handful of rice but at least he would've ran his socks off, harried the defenders and not given them as much time on the ball.
I realise Harriott didn't have the greatest of times when we came on, but given we were pinned back for so much of the game, I think we should've brought him on for Gudmundsson, switched flanks with Cousins, and given us some width and some pace to counter-attack. We just needed an outlet at times to attack and with Wilson and his lack of pace we didn't really have that, but he defended excellently as well, doubling up with Solly on that right-hand side.
Really good win though nevertheless, still unbeaten and 4th in the table! Hopefully we can keep on going about our business under the radar and see how the season goes. I just worry if we give a team like Nottingham Forest, who pulled Reading apart a few weeks ago, that much time on the ball and give them the ball so easily, they could have a lot of fun playing us.
I know we all see games differently. Looking at the marks for each player, I can't believe some of the low scores for Jackson and Wiggins. Jackson helped to hold us together. Besides losing possession once, the midfield certainly looked dodgier once he was subbed. As for Wiggins, he was probably the only harsh booking and had to be careful against a tricky winger whom I thought he handled well.
It wasn't always pretty but a win's a win as they say and sometimes you have to grind the result out as we did today. Watford probably had 70 - 80% possession and should have got something out of the game but it's to our credit that we kept a clean sheet against one of the best attacking teams in the division. It's even more encouraging that we have now beaten 3 teams at home this season that are all likely play-off contenders at least and 12 points from 6 tough games is an excellent start. Thought that Bikey & Ben Haim were superb at the back and are building up an excellent partnership. Roll on Tuesday.
Not sure about lucky...our keeper stopped a couple of stingers but they started to go long as the second half progressed and we really should have wrapped it up in the last 10 mins. Our centre backs are top notch but full backs ... Hum. Solly was back to his splendid best in the second half but Wiggins looked stretched again - how many more nippy wingers are there in this division? Our front men always look like doing something but big Bob has got to sort out midfield. Buyens ran the first 20 mins but they adapted and isolated him. Bit one way traffic from then on. Just seen our former keeper on the TV and well done the bearded one.
Comments
There isn't a better 'support' striker or hold up player in this division.
They were playing dirty from the off - hence the penalty by the keeper early on (think it was about 6 mins). Should have walked off the pitch. They were getting "injured" or pushing and shoving every chance they could get. I think had they put the same effort into playing the game they might have done better.
Said to my brother-in-law that I was surprised we pushed back against them and got so many yellows ourselves. Back in Chris Powells tenure, I was always of the opinion that he refused to allow the team to push back against dirty players and risk yellows. Not so under Bob - think he told the boys to get out there and give the opposition bloody hell.
Against such a side it was hard to find the back of the net, so it was fortuitous that they gave away that penalty. Good we kept a clean sheet - credit to Henderson, Bikey (f***ing monster) and Ben Haim for keeping it solid and also for keeping a tight leash on Troy Deaney. Harriott and Moussa were disappointing. Gudmunsson was working for a goal before being subbed - the injury he had when out on International duties looks like is bothering him. Wondering if Johnny Jackson has fitness issues. Who stepped up as Captain when he was subbed off?
We need a result against Wolves which won't be an easy game either. Up the Addicks!!
We were very happy to let them control possession, but with this in mind what really worried me was the way they still got runners in behind on the overlap. If your plan is to sit back and restrict the space the opposition has to work in then they shouldn't be getting runners to the bye-line as easily as Watford were, and we were lucky to have a combination of poor crossing from Watford and excellent keeping from Henderson to thank to Watford not punishing us.
Despite their possession, had we scored one of our breakaways Bob would have been a very happy man; score early, keep them out then hit them on the counter when they get desperate. If Moussa and Harriott had been smarter with possession it would have been a perfect performance. Well, for an away match anyway. Moussa was definitely the main culprit though. Couldn't keep it in the corner and a couple of times lost the ball when up against the first man on a break. Yet to be convinced by him in a Charlton shirt. We need to work on more creative possession play but so far we've won our home games and drawn our aways so can't be anything other than happy at the moment. Well done Charlton
The football is clearly better overall but yet to be convinced we're doing anything other than over achieving so far. Clearly we have technically better players than recent years but at the same time there's still lots of silly passing mistakes and being caught in possession. basically we still give the ball away to easy. Also too much sitting back and hoping the other team don't take their chances as far as I'm concerned. The subs that came on, namely Moussa, were atrocious and put us into more trouble when they had chance to alleviate it. Not really a problem to me overall as not being relegated is still acceptable this year as so many things are changing. Those on here that bizarrely think we should be challenging for play offs every year no matter what the reality may be in for a tough season again though!
Watford are a good squad and will be contending the upper part of the league this year so at the end of the day it's a great result. They play good passing football (as we do) and can clearly score goals usually. But they also have that unlikeable falling over and taking players out off the ball cynical streak to their game (not that they'll admit it as they do seem to have become up their own arse in recent years). Ah well, good luck to them, they will have a good season this year I think. If we can be close to them at the end of the season we will have done well.
Overall a great result and we are doing well. But far to early, and to much evidence to the contrary, to say we are a good team that deserves to be where we are. Gonna be an enjoyable season I think though whatever happens.
And finally...Watford fans singing about shite support. Clearly either being ironic or they've never been to Vicarage Road.
These days it's best not to be a one man woman IYKWIM...
Hope he's raring to go in 72 hrs time.
First half overall I'd say we looked like the better side. A fantastic move to create the penalty, lovely play from Cousins as well as great positioning from our one and only Igor to get in, Gomes was lucky to still be on the pitch. Can't think of any clear cut chances that Watford actually created in that first half.
I am slightly concerned by the fact that when we start a game so well and deservedly take the lead, we seem to sit back and a little too deep after. Can't really remember that many that put a foot wrong in the first half, but let's just say I was relieved to get to half time as we were conceding possession a little too easily and I didn't think Jacko had one of his best games today, he looked off the pace to me, especially compared with Buyens who was a class act from start to finish.
Second half they had a lot more possession although whatever pressure they threw at us we seemed to absorb, despite a few clear cut chances this half which Henderson saved us, two occasions I seem to remember, the second one on one save when he dived at the strikers feet was incredible. I have to give a special mention to Bikey, I thought he was incredible today, solid as a rock. Felt Moussa and Harriot struggled to adapt to the pace of the game, it was so stretched by the end, that was understandable.
Just a little individual half analysis from me, some others have given more in much better detail but I have to say guys, I am, regrettably starting to dream. I wish I wasn't, but I am. I said to a mate of mine that I went to the game with today, I wish we hadn't won today because I feel we could actually do something this season, oh well, sod it!
Another 3 points in the bag at the hands of a side who are also early promotion favourites. My MOM was Bikey closely followed by Henderson. Says a lot about the game. The fact that we defended and didn't concede against the highest scorers in the league for 93 minutes says a lot about our teams capability.
COYR.
Watford looked really strong for the second part of the first half. Charlton lost shape a bit but hung in there. Vetokele pace helped unsettle the Watford defence. Watford undermined their momentum by some niggly challenges and fouls. It is a side of their game that does them no favours. They would be a better team without it. Watford deserved all of their first half 4 yellow cards. Deeney should have tried to score when past TBH instead of falling over when feeling TBH close by.
Happy to get to half time at 1-0. Watford pushed forward but didn't do enough. Vetekele carried enough of threat to make the Watford defence think. A couple of great stops from Henderson and much improved distribution. Referee was a bit inconsistent and seemed to want to level the bookings up. Solly had great attacking full back play and worked well with Wilson.
Perfectly timed second half substitutions by Bob Peeters. It helped the team to look forward. I like Moussa he always plays forward. I know he lost composure in good positions, but I think with a bit of decent coaching he will get there.
Excellent to come away with 9 points against strong WIgan, Derby and Watford sides. The quality of football is better than has been at the Valley for some time. The team is not perfect by any stretch, but it is a very promising foundation.
Today, we saw, for the first time I can remember, a back four in CAFC shirts that was exceptional. They were not just solid, they worked for each other, supported each other and worked their socks off - and they had a keeper behind them who looked so safe.
Buyens in midfield looks a class act, a real playmaker.
Tucudean is not everyone's cup of tea yet but he's shaping and could be the YK replacement we've been seeking - and a much younger version.
Igor - what can I say - a class above.
I've rarely seen a Charlton support silenced, almost en masse, by the actions of new owners and Management.
We were outraged when Sir Chris went, shocked when Jose wasn't offered the job and yet, here we are, 6 months since Sir Chris departed and there is a huge feel good factor all over the club.
Statistics show Charlton to have been under the cosh today but I see it differently.
We played an exceptional game and worked our socks off - that is why we won.
The squad may need further strengthening as games like today put immense pressure on the players - it's a lot less demanding when you are in possession.
Finally, delighted Jose Riga got a decent result today and sincerely wish him well.
Defence was quality today though and Henderson had an absolute blinder, some straight forward saves but I think the one that was most vital was where he came out of his goal to Dyer, made himself look big and pulled off a terrific save. Our first clean sheet of the season!
That being said, sound like a broken record but same problems from the Derby and Huddersfield games. So static again, so tight with our passes and as their full backs were pressing particularly high up the pitch, we'd give the ball away within a matter of seconds. Also we gave them so much time on the ball, the defence was rarely pressured or bothered on the ball, played through to the midfield without much trouble and they made so many chances so easily, that's the real worry.
Again, I thought Jackson was anonymous today. People say the midfield was lost when he came off, sorry but the midfield battle was lost after about 20 minutes today. Make him club captain a la Vermaelen was at Arsenal and move Cousins into the centre, it was him winning the ball in the middle of the park at running at the defence that created the assist for the penalty.
Tucudean given his presence was poor at holding the ball up today and barely shifted himself about the pitch. I thought we should've brought Church on instead of Moussa, he may not be able to hit an elephants arse with a handful of rice but at least he would've ran his socks off, harried the defenders and not given them as much time on the ball.
I realise Harriott didn't have the greatest of times when we came on, but given we were pinned back for so much of the game, I think we should've brought him on for Gudmundsson, switched flanks with Cousins, and given us some width and some pace to counter-attack. We just needed an outlet at times to attack and with Wilson and his lack of pace we didn't really have that, but he defended excellently as well, doubling up with Solly on that right-hand side.
Really good win though nevertheless, still unbeaten and 4th in the table! Hopefully we can keep on going about our business under the radar and see how the season goes. I just worry if we give a team like Nottingham Forest, who pulled Reading apart a few weeks ago, that much time on the ball and give them the ball so easily, they could have a lot of fun playing us.