A difficult first 25 minutes but we held firm and worked our way into the game. After the first goal, we were dominant, hunting the ball down in packs, retaining possession well and carrying a real threat in the last third, principally through Tony Watt - who was practically unplayable - although Simon Makienok also showed a good touch and awareness (as well as a Leaburnesque ability to head crosses clear from his own box).
What I particularly enjoyed was the way in which we closed the game out, a quality which isn't usually associated with Charlton. How many times in the past would we have conceded a goal and had to endure a nerve-shredding last 10 minutes ? Instead, we played the ball around and made a tired and demoralised QPR chase the ball in the heat.
Overall, a very strong team performance. The centre backs were dominant and Patrick Bauer looks a real find. Both he and Diarra played the ball out very well from the back and we completely dominated the middle of the park in the second half. I think Guy Luzon said after the Bolton game that Kashi was only 55-60% fit and that he would need two or three weeks to get up to speed. If that's the case, I shall look forward to seeing this bloke at full throttle !
Delighted for Nick Pope, who demonstrated a calm authority throughout and that served to infuse confidence throughout the entire defence. A great moment for Morgan Fox as well. It is very early days but this team has some quality and Luzon looks to have added some real steel to the mix. I am really looking forward to the Daggers on Tuesday - when one or two others will presumably get a game - and to Derby next Saturday, which will be a real test against one of the big-spending favourites in front of 30,000 or so.
On yesterday's showing, I can see QPR having a similar sort of season to Fulham last time out. Maybe Chris Ramsey and his coaches will be able to sort them out once they've sold off Austin and added a few new faces but the only guy who really looked up for it yesterday was Jamie Mackie. His duel with a feisty and tenacious Chris Solly was one of the many things to enjoy from a hugely satisfying afternoon.
Looking back at the highlights you can see Big Si had a role in both goals. Brilliant dummy for the first and some lovely hold up play to help keep the ball and start the move that lead to Fox's strike.
The other player who slightly divided opinion in Ba also played a key role in Watts with a lovely winning of possession, driving run and incisive pass to TWWW.
For me he has what you can't teach. It was a team performance and I was pleased with every single one of them, they really worked for each other. Yet I felt that we didn't have the beating of them until Watt came on. The close control and intelligence is something reminiscent of Gazza for me. Up until half time I just felt we weren't troubling their defence, then Watt came on and he changed the game.
Cabbies- He is a throw-back. He plays like an old fashioned Scottish Tanner Ball player from the 60s, who grew up playing on the streets. A touch of Kenny Dalglish / Charlie Nicholas / Frank McAvennie style of play, with the attitude of a Denis Law.
What he has is close control, quick feet, a quick turn of pace over five yards and an arrogant belief that he can beat any defender one-against-one. When he collects the ball into feet, he works the ball to move defenders about, puts them off balance and then faces them up. If his marker gets tight, he will roll them and go by them on either side. Defenders then drop off to avoid being rolled again, which allows him space to get on the turn and face them up. when he does that, he has the confidence to beat any defender one-against-one, or he will shift the ball to the side to get in a shot, as he did yesterday.
I get the impression that he loves playing football and he wants to show everyone how good he is. He knows how good he is and he feeds off the crowd. When he gets going, he plays like he is the King of the Valley, especially when Tony Watt-Watt-Watt gets going in the Covered End.
The only reason he didn't make it big at Celtic, can only be attitude and fitness. I have a big Celtic fan who works with me, who calls him a Bampot. He fell out with the manager at Celtic, who probably didn't want to make allowances for him at a young age, in a group environment. You probably have to manage him like Fergie handled Cantona, give him some space but not over-indulge him. He was dropped to the bench for a training ground misdemeanour this week, which back-fired on the team performance in the first half. I hope the Manager feels he has made a point and Watt thinks he has shown the Manager how important he is, and we can move on. But the alarm bells started ringing for me, after his falling outs at Celtic. He's a maverick, so you probably won't change him, as Best or Gazza could never be changed. That's his character and makes him what he is on the pitch. The Artful Dodger.
I'm looking forward to the next time he is in the mood to show us how good he is. Hopefully at Derby.
Not really got much to add, just really encouraged with that performance especially the 2nd half. Please for Pope, Keshi was brilliant my motm and watt changed the game. Roll on next week.
I just hope they turn the PA system UP in the north upper for the remainder of the season. Couldn't hear anything @BDL was saying (teams, substitutions etc)
I couldn't say for certain, but it might have been some old bollox like "get beside the Roy's and bake some toys"
The Red Red Robin was played so so quietly and muffled (NWQ) that it got completely sung over by the north upper choir A bit annoying coz I've pumped that tune into the kids since they were born and they look forward to hearing it at Charlton but no chance with the shitty sound system currently in place
For me he has what you can't teach. It was a team performance and I was pleased with every single one of them, they really worked for each other. Yet I felt that we didn't have the beating of them until Watt came on. The close control and intelligence is something reminiscent of Gazza for me. Up until half time I just felt we weren't troubling their defence, then Watt came on and he changed the game.
Cabbies- He is a throw-back. He plays like an old fashioned Scottish Tanner Ball player from the 60s, who grew up playing on the streets. A touch of Kenny Dalglish / Charlie Nicholas / Frank McAvennie style of play, with the attitude of a Denis Law.
What he has is close control, quick feet, a quick turn of pace over five yards and an arrogant belief that he can beat any defender one-against-one. When he collects the ball into feet, he works the ball to move defenders about, puts them off balance and then faces them up. If his marker gets tight, he will roll them and go by them on either side. Defenders then drop off to avoid being rolled again, which allows him space to get on the turn and face them up. when he does that, he has the confidence to beat any defender one-against-one, or he will shift the ball to the side to get in a shot, as he did yesterday.
I get the impression that he loves playing football and he wants to show everyone how good he is. He knows how good he is and he feeds off the crowd. When he gets going, he plays like he is the King of the Valley, especially when Tony Watt-Watt-Watt gets going in the Covered End.
The only reason he didn't make it big at Celtic, can only be attitude and fitness. I have a big Celtic fan who works with me, who calls him a Bampot. He fell out with the manager at Celtic, who probably didn't want to make allowances for him at a young age, in a group environment. You probably have to manage him like Fergie handled Cantona, give him some space but not over-indulge him. He was dropped to the bench for a training ground misdemeanour this week, which back-fired on the team performance in the first half. I hope the Manager feels he has made a point and Watt thinks he has shown the Manager how important he is, and we can move on. But the alarm bells started ringing for me, after his falling outs at Celtic. He's a maverick, so you probably won't change him, as Best or Gazza could never be changed. That's his character and makes him what he is on the pitch. The Artful Dodger.
I'm looking forward to the next time he is in the mood to show us how good he is. Hopefully at Derby.
It's great to see him anyway. We've had some great players since I've been following in the late 80s but I can see him becoming a cult hero of mine. He's a player that I believe something will happen every time he gets the ball. Yes we are going to have manage him and his persona, one that I think will be happier when he's in the team and we are winning, however, I think that he knows he's loved here already.
I'm not overly fussed about his fitness or stamina as he makes the ball do the work.
not sure if this has been mentioned so apologies if it has but just seen this on bbc, anyone know what happened
Charlton Athletic manager Guy Luzon has revealed that 21-year-old Scottish striker Tony Watt, who came on as a substitute to score in the 2-0 win over QPR, was on the bench because of a training ground infraction. (Daily Record, print edition)
I wasn't at all worried that Tony Watt was on the bench. There was no way he would have lasted more than about an hour playing at that intensity, first game, in that heat (i.e. tracking back to left back late on to make a tackle etc). Far better to have him coming on for a concentrated burst rather than maybe blowing himself out and then getting disheartened and lazy (which we have seen him do a couple of times). Whatever the reason behind his absence, it worked out perfectly because as QPR understandably tired, he kept going at them.
As for the others, apart from the obvious stand-outs, I liked the work that Ba got through. First time I've seen him but he looked like a bit of an all-rounder to me....fit, could pass and could tackle.
A word of caution though. Sometimes these early games get played on adrenalin and I thought the crowd did their part to keep the lads going. We shall have to see if this new team reacts well to going a goal or two behind and a quiet crowd. We shall also have to see how they cope with the challenge of away games.
Really enjoyed it and thought every player gave his all.
And WATT is that ? TALENT. That's how you define it in any language.
Tony Magic feet (soapboxsam Patent: first said 2 minutes after coming on against Norwich at H/T)
That was a masterclass in attacking with the ball at your feet. Clint Hill must of felt 56 not 36 in the 2nd half.
If that's doesn't get you out of your seat, watching his twist and turns on the ball then nothing will.
For him to stay at the Valley, he will have to be loved, nurtured and understood By fans and management.
There will be games when he won't give the pass, the dribbles don't quite come off But in home games as shown on Saturday he can pick the lock and be the game changer and winner.
He is a special case, The last couple of years of his career he's had problems off the pitch, When he's not on the field, showcasing his skill, he can lose his way.
We can make a difference as fans, give support on the tough days as well as the good days.
Makienok showing exactly what he's all about for the second goal. Great strength, control and awareness to get the ball out of a tight spot and help switch the play.
not sure if this has been mentioned so apologies if it has but just seen this on bbc, anyone know what happened
Charlton Athletic manager Guy Luzon has revealed that 21-year-old Scottish striker Tony Watt, who came on as a substitute to score in the 2-0 win over QPR, was on the bench because of a training ground infraction. (Daily Record, print edition)
It has been mentioned a few times mate but nobody seems to know what happened.
Fox referred to it as a "Training Ground Incident" so we have to assume he didn't get done DD or turn up stoned.....
Was it 442 or a diamond? I thought it was more of a diamond with JBG floating behind the forwards picking up the ball.
It's both 442 and a diamond.
It has to be flexible because Kashi is here there and everywhere just like Cousins. In the 1st half the diamond was more noticable because Kashi was at the base and Johann was up top with Cousins left of Ba.
In the 2nd half the midfielders seem to swap more and it wasn't so rigid and that was when we started to swarm QPR with the good legs of our midfield.
not sure if this has been mentioned so apologies if it has but just seen this on bbc, anyone know what happened
Charlton Athletic manager Guy Luzon has revealed that 21-year-old Scottish striker Tony Watt, who came on as a substitute to score in the 2-0 win over QPR, was on the bench because of a training ground infraction. (Daily Record, print edition)
It has been mentioned a few times mate but nobody seems to know what happened.
Fox referred to it as a "Training Ground Incident" so we have to assume he didn't get done DD or turn up stoned.....
The Observer's report said:
" A dispute between Watt and Luzon’s assistants in training last week meant he had to bide his time."
It's hard not to want Watt to start every game, but I wonder if he really is at his best when fresh and running at tired defenders.
Big Mak looked dead on his feet by the end of the game.
I think those conditions were really energy sapping. I reckon it was a test for a lot of players, and Makienok coming from Serie A which is def a slower pace wouldn't be used to it perhaps
All nicely covered already but just a few more observations:
The obvious tenacity shown by Kashi(shev) was also there in cameos throughout the team; JBG scrapping back to protect the lead, Makienok et al clearing convincingly from corners by attacking the ball, and young KAG sprinting the length of the pitch into our 6 yard box after one of our own corners was cleared. Guy clearly places a big emphasis on pressing and making it hard for the opposition to play but, thankfully it appears, using players who can then play themselves having won the right - QPR just didn't fancy it after HT.
Too often in this league moderate teams have been able just to stifle our threat at The Valley by being strong and well-drilled; I already feel that this season that we'll be shattering a few dreams on our travels. If we can gradually build the attacking options we surely have the platform in place to dishearten and burst many an inflated bubble. Derby and Forest will give us some indication but at this early stage we don't appear to lack resilience.
QPR ha ha fans on the train were unanimous in their view that Mackie was the only one worthy of the shirt, whilst grudgingly acknowledging that Charlton were "quite strong, well-organised".
Quick mention of the new boys: Kashi as stated was a real enforcer. Ba, after perhaps being caught by the pace of the game, went on to do some vg work at both ends; strong and capable. Makienok took time to settle but played a part in both goals and was a real bonus defending set pieces (which pleasantly surprised me after limited pre-season viewing). And Bauer was excellent, never really looking troubled.
Over all I'd say we earned the right to play, everyone playing a part in limiting them to snapshots before imposing our own game on them. We collectively won the mental game and finished off their dispirited egos with two well-worked goals. More please...
Some good points there Paddy. I really think that The Championship is very under estimated by practically everyone not very familiar with it. Relegated teams from the Prem often have a big shock. Players coming in from overseas and we all know the problems we had when RD first arrived. What professional scout thought for even one second that some of the players we brought in could hack it in the Championship.
When our new crop get the pace and physicality sorted out I think we will surprise quite a few when we're on our game.
Diarra was my MOM, confident ans assured at the back, played well with Bauer- who was solid with the knack of not f*cking about when the ball comes his way which is a good trait for a CB Fox took his goal really well, I still ahve doubts about his defending and general play, but he has a cracking left foot and decent technique JBG was his usual classy self, in a midfield where we lack creativity we may get reliant on him tho- Ba Kashi and Cousins plenty of endeavor and putting themselves about- Kashi could turn into a real fan's fave if he keeps up his Saturday-s performance- boundless energy Big Mak and KAG were non existent first half, almost like playing with no strikers, as soon as Watt came on you could see the difference, and Mak's performance got better- Jury out, just hope because of his size we don't continually knock it up to him from the back long ball style.
A word on Guy- clearly know's his stuff, coaching, tactics and researching opponents etc
Austin clearly didn't look match fit and played like he knew he was above this level, should have been subbed way before he did IMO
Very enjoyable game. Most of the players were in top form, though hoping there will still be a bit more to come re fitness and link-up play as they "gel", but on the face of it, they were already so much more of a team than QPR.
Last season we had a good start but then got found out - opposition worked out how to play us, Igor got injured and the thin squad became a big issue. Let's hope we've learnt lessons from that - I'm hopeful, as we seem to have learnt how to recruit players who may not have Championship experience but do have the right physicality and attitude to make a go of it.
Comments
What I particularly enjoyed was the way in which we closed the game out, a quality which isn't usually associated with Charlton. How many times in the past would we have conceded a goal and had to endure a nerve-shredding last 10 minutes ? Instead, we played the ball around and made a tired and demoralised QPR chase the ball in the heat.
Overall, a very strong team performance. The centre backs were dominant and Patrick Bauer looks a real find. Both he and Diarra played the ball out very well from the back and we completely dominated the middle of the park in the second half. I think Guy Luzon said after the Bolton game that Kashi was only 55-60% fit and that he would need two or three weeks to get up to speed. If that's the case, I shall look forward to seeing this bloke at full throttle !
Delighted for Nick Pope, who demonstrated a calm authority throughout and that served to infuse confidence throughout the entire defence. A great moment for Morgan Fox as well. It is very early days but this team has some quality and Luzon looks to have added some real steel to the mix. I am really looking forward to the Daggers on Tuesday - when one or two others will presumably get a game - and to Derby next Saturday, which will be a real test against one of the big-spending favourites in front of 30,000 or so.
On yesterday's showing, I can see QPR having a similar sort of season to Fulham last time out. Maybe Chris Ramsey and his coaches will be able to sort them out once they've sold off Austin and added a few new faces but the only guy who really looked up for it yesterday was Jamie Mackie. His duel with a feisty and tenacious Chris Solly was one of the many things to enjoy from a hugely satisfying afternoon.
The other player who slightly divided opinion in Ba also played a key role in Watts with a lovely winning of possession, driving run and incisive pass to TWWW.
Both deserve praise.
Also, how much of a twat is that Mackie?
Beat Solly a couple of times too which is rare.
Beat Solly a couple of times too which is rare.
...............................
yes one time Solly when beaten by Mackie Diarra came across and saved the situation and got a yellow card for his trouble
A bit annoying coz I've pumped that tune into the kids since they were born and they look forward to hearing it at Charlton but no chance with the shitty sound system currently in place
As for the others, apart from the obvious stand-outs, I liked the work that Ba got through. First time I've seen him but he looked like a bit of an all-rounder to me....fit, could pass and could tackle.
A word of caution though. Sometimes these early games get played on adrenalin and I thought the crowd did their part to keep the lads going. We shall have to see if this new team reacts well to going a goal or two behind and a quiet crowd. We shall also have to see how they cope with the challenge of away games.
Really enjoyed it and thought every player gave his all.
A great statement.
He has Je ne sais quoi,
And WATT is that ? TALENT. That's how you define it in any language.
Tony Magic feet (soapboxsam Patent: first said 2 minutes after coming on against Norwich at H/T)
That was a masterclass in attacking with the ball at your feet.
Clint Hill must of felt 56 not 36 in the 2nd half.
If that's doesn't get you out of your seat, watching his twist and turns on the ball
then nothing will.
For him to stay at the Valley, he will have to be loved, nurtured and understood
By fans and management.
There will be games when he won't give the pass, the dribbles don't quite come off
But in home games as shown on Saturday he can pick the lock and be the game changer and winner.
He is a special case, The last couple of years of his career he's had problems off the pitch, When he's not on the field, showcasing his skill, he can lose his way.
We can make a difference as fans, give support on the tough days as well as the good days.
It has been mentioned a few times mate but nobody seems to know what happened.
Fox referred to it as a "Training Ground Incident" so we have to assume he didn't get done DD or turn up stoned.....
It has to be flexible because Kashi is here there and everywhere just like Cousins.
In the 1st half the diamond was more noticable because Kashi was at the base and Johann was up top with Cousins left of Ba.
In the 2nd half the midfielders seem to swap more and it wasn't so rigid and that was when we started to swarm QPR with the good legs of our midfield.
Fox referred to it as a "Training Ground Incident" so we have to assume he didn't get done DD or turn up stoned.....
The Observer's report said:
" A dispute between Watt and Luzon’s assistants in training last week meant he had to bide his time."
Big Mak looked dead on his feet by the end of the game.
The obvious tenacity shown by Kashi(shev) was also there in cameos throughout the team; JBG scrapping back to protect the lead, Makienok et al clearing convincingly from corners by attacking the ball, and young KAG sprinting the length of the pitch into our 6 yard box after one of our own corners was cleared. Guy clearly places a big emphasis on pressing and making it hard for the opposition to play but, thankfully it appears, using players who can then play themselves having won the right - QPR just didn't fancy it after HT.
Too often in this league moderate teams have been able just to stifle our threat at The Valley by being strong and well-drilled; I already feel that this season that we'll be shattering a few dreams on our travels. If we can gradually build the attacking options we surely have the platform in place to dishearten and burst many an inflated bubble. Derby and Forest will give us some indication but at this early stage we don't appear to lack resilience.
QPR ha ha fans on the train were unanimous in their view that Mackie was the only one worthy of the shirt, whilst grudgingly acknowledging that Charlton were "quite strong, well-organised".
Quick mention of the new boys:
Kashi as stated was a real enforcer. Ba, after perhaps being caught by the pace of the game, went on to do some vg work at both ends; strong and capable. Makienok took time to settle but played a part in both goals and was a real bonus defending set pieces (which pleasantly surprised me after limited pre-season viewing). And Bauer was excellent, never really looking troubled.
Over all I'd say we earned the right to play, everyone playing a part in limiting them to snapshots before imposing our own game on them. We collectively won the mental game and finished off their dispirited egos with two well-worked goals. More please...
When our new crop get the pace and physicality sorted out I think we will surprise quite a few when we're on our game.
Diarra was my MOM, confident ans assured at the back, played well with Bauer- who was solid with the knack of not f*cking about when the ball comes his way which is a good trait for a CB
Fox took his goal really well, I still ahve doubts about his defending and general play, but he has a cracking left foot and decent technique
JBG was his usual classy self, in a midfield where we lack creativity we may get reliant on him tho- Ba Kashi and Cousins plenty of endeavor and putting themselves about- Kashi could turn into a real fan's fave if he keeps up his Saturday-s performance- boundless energy
Big Mak and KAG were non existent first half, almost like playing with no strikers, as soon as Watt came on you could see the difference, and Mak's performance got better- Jury out, just hope because of his size we don't continually knock it up to him from the back long ball style.
A word on Guy- clearly know's his stuff, coaching, tactics and researching opponents etc
Austin clearly didn't look match fit and played like he knew he was above this level, should have been subbed way before he did IMO
Last season we had a good start but then got found out - opposition worked out how to play us, Igor got injured and the thin squad became a big issue. Let's hope we've learnt lessons from that - I'm hopeful, as we seem to have learnt how to recruit players who may not have Championship experience but do have the right physicality and attitude to make a go of it.