Sarr dropped to the bench... First clean sheet since October...coincidence?
Sarr dropped to the bench, Hardly any forward momentum or 35 yard passes which open up a defence, no treat from set pieces, no extra dimension from Naby having the ball at his feet and opening up the options.
Cullen twice( still a fantastic player) Lockyer, and Pearce all made errors that if Mitrovic, Kamara or Knockaert were playing would surely have been punished.
What a difference 4 days makes. So many positives tonight!
- Bowyer has signed - first clean sheet in god knows how long - Cullen played 90 and makes a huge difference sitting infront of the back 4 - strongest match day squad in ages - positive attacking substitutions - had more quality when we did have the ball
Only negative really is our final ball wasn't quite there. Doughty squandered a couple of chances to put in quality ball and we didn't take advantage of our set peices which we had a lot of tonight.
Well happy with that point, just a shame we couldn't nick it with that final free kick!
As others have mentioned, fantastic team performance. Credit to Bowyer, had a game plan to tactically manage the threat Fulham have, and the team carried it out superbly to a man.
@Talal hit the nail on the head early on when he highlighted how much Cullen being back helped Pratley. No disrespect to the youngsters, but for large parts of the last 3 months, Pratley has been having to marshal a midfield at the age of 34 with little experience and little help next to him because of that experience. Cullen is a class apart. He has a fantastic footballing brain, is athletic and comfortable with the ball at his feet. As ValleyGary said earlier, he should sign with us and become club captain and a legend.
Doughty is a real bonus but we have to manage his involvement. Only playing on loan in non league at the end of last year, to being thrust into the team as regular over 2 months is good experience, but we can’t go expecting too much of him in terms of end product yet. Ideally, the team continues to get injured players back, add a couple of bodies before the end of the month and he plays a bit part role.
Defensively we were excellent tonight. Pleased for Ben Purrington. Was having a wretched run of form pre xmas, but came back in tonight and performed okay against a tough team. I think both he, Matthews and Solly are far more comfortable as full backs than they are wing backs, so any involvement from these 3 should ideally be in back fours, as opposed to wing backs.
Williams is simply the most talented footballer we have in the squad, hands down. I know he has a terrible injury record, and we may seem him out for a spell again before the end of the season, but I definitely want him around next year. You can’t teach what he has and if he can just give us 25 games a season, we’ll get our money’s worth.
Was great to see Taylor back as well. As soon as he came on, Fulham’s centre backs had something to think about. A lot of people were saying he hasn’t looked interested since he came back from injury. I see it as he was finding his feet after a bad knee injury and getting back to what he does best. If anyone wants to doubt his interest or intent, see that ball he played across the goal last night that got put out for a corner when Williams was running in. That was class
I would love to keep him, I don’t care what he does on social media or anything else that upsets our bedwetting brigade. Obviously, we have a wage structure and we have made him what we feel is a fair offer, and if he chooses to go I accept that, but it would be immense to read he’s staying with us. Would really add to the feel good factor after Bowyer signing
Finally, to Bowyer. The man’s a legend in the making. He’ll be massively pleased with that clean sheet, I think that was the most important thing coming out of last night. We have a good week to recover, rest and who knows, add some bodies and go again for the big 6 pointer against Barnsley
PWR - What a great performance from our boys. Against a very slick Fulham side we stood up defensively and restricted them to few chances, with only one real lapse when they had a free header at the back post. After all the pelters that he has received in recent weeks I thought that a special mention should go to Ben Purrington, who had a very solid game. We offered very little going forward before the substitutions. Ozzy ran his socks off but he is no Jonny Williams. Hemed tried but never really bothered their defence and only started to win headers just before he was subbed. Alfie Doughty was our only attacking threat and what a great player he already is and will grow into. As soon as Jonny came on the tide started to shift and once Lyle and Andre Green came on we actually looked dangerous. The ball started to stick up front and Lyle started to drag their defenders about. What a great ball Lyle put in late on. A well deserved point and I'm feeling very positive about the rest of the season.
Great point, and a very good battling performance. I thought we let them play out from the back too easily in the first half, second half was so much better, pressed higher up the pitch got in bunhead number 3 face and had him punting the ball aimlessly forward in the end.
Agree with what has been said about Cullen, what a player, others have needed time to come back, not him chuck him straight back in and he gives you 90 minutes non stop running and battling, this kid is the real deal sign him up!
Great point and could of knicked it in the end just hope Taylor and Cullen are still here for the next game. Might have missed someone else mentioning this but did anyone notice Scott Parker going our dug out at the start. Would love to think it was a joke on his part but don't think Scotty does humour
Did we really have no goal attempts worth showing or are the edits more evidence that we only exist to make up the numbers?
We didnt really have many attempts that needed saving but we did create chances, them highlights are crap.
We had two shots.
One on target (held low by keeper at near post from Doughty) and one 30-40 feet wide from Oztumer with his left foot.
As far as I can remember, we didn't have another effort at goal of any description. We also had a couple of bright moments; 1st half Doughty centred behind Hemed, when Hemed was in front of his man crying out for a tap in and Taylor's low ball to the far post, brilliantly flicked away for a corner with Williams in attendance.
Did we really have no goal attempts worth showing or are the edits more evidence that we only exist to make up the numbers?
We didnt really have many attempts that needed saving but we did create chances, them highlights are crap.
We had two shots.
One on target (held low by keeper at near post from Doughty) and one 30-40 feet wide from Oztumer with his left foot.
As far as I can remember, we didn't have another effort at goal of any description. We also had a couple of bright moments; 1st half Doughty centred behind Hemed, when Hemed was in front of his man crying out for a tap in and Taylor's low ball to the far post, brilliantly flicked away for a corner with Williams in attendance.
We had more than that as had the two early efforts that got diverted out for corners
It was blatantly obvious how much Taylor adds to the team,prior to his arrival on the pitch,their no.3 was strolling around like Beckenbaur at his peak,once Taylor got in his face he was all over the shop. So,my opinion,get Taylor,and Williams signed up for 3 years,get Dougherty signed up before the vultures come calling. Pay these guys the going rate ,if it breaks our wage structure,so be it.You will not replace Taylor or Williams for less than 15k-20k a week plus transfer fees.This should be a priority,if it limits what we spend on new players,so be it. I would sound out Cullen as to his intentions.I Firmly believe that with these 4 players secured,we can make a show for the premiership next season. Look how much better our defence was with a decent midfield(apart from the passing out)
Great point and could of knicked it in the end just hope Taylor and Cullen are still here for the next game. Might have missed someone else mentioning this but did anyone notice Scott Parker going our dug out at the start. Would love to think it was a joke on his part but don't think Scotty does humour
Just what we needed to be honest. Pre match Bowyer signs a new contract, and then we take on a very talented Fulham side, and drag a point away from them, and by the sounds of it, as Taylor and Williams arrived late, we had a shout of nicking all three points.
Looking ahead, we really need to offer Taylor something to make him stay. He may want a lot, but anyone similar (and maybe younger) will also be looking for a higher end championship offer,. Like Bauer, Taylor may now have his mind set, but while he hasn't signed for anyone else, there is still room to negotiate. Williams, Doughty and Cullen are all on my wish list for next season before we start sniffing around new faces.
in the meantime we have ten days to regroup, get the injured back to 100% and get in a bit of fresh blood. With the injured returning, we maybe don't need too many - quality over quantity. But for today, I am a happy Addick.
For a cold night with no goals and few chances it was surprisingly enjoyable. For the last 20 mins it felt like we finally had a proper team out there again. He’s hoping it stays that way now.
Couldnt work out whether Hemed was poor or Hector, who had him in his pocket, excellent. Suspect more of the later, though Taylor asked more questions when he come on. What I’d have given for Gallagher to be bursting forward and playing off Taylor for that last 20. Grrr...
For a bloke that’s missed a lot of football he doesn’t really give the impression he enjoys playing it, does Hemed? The ref decided very early on he can’t be trusted in 50/50s not to exaggerate and promptly decided to give him nothing.
We looked a lot more balanced outfit with Cullen and Oztumer in there, and Doughty continues to perform. Morgan is just not quite doing enough to hold onto a place going forward from now and it will be interesting to see if Doughty can continue to maintain his. We were more settled at the back, partly due to the midfield in front and partly due to Fulham’s ineffectiveness. Matthews has been a very sound addition imo.
Fulham really disappointed me and in hindsight I’m gutted we didn’t really push for the three points, but a clean sheet and a bit more confidence hopefully can springboard us.
I missed Bristol City so not seen us win now since Derby in October. It feels a very long time ago.
I thought Hemed did ok. Battled, looked interested, some decent hold up play and won more than his fair share of headers. Had no delivery to him at all and he doesn’t look like a creator of goals unlike Taylor. Would have liked to see them both in the pitch together but probably a tough ask against a talented Fulham side.
Only frustrations from Hemed was when he neatly chested the ball down right in front of me - Could have held the ball up to bring others into play
Instead sat down on his arse and went looking for a free kick which was rightly waved away and so gave the ball back too easily
The other occasion was again when he went down, no free kick given, few moments later we'd won a throw in (which we'd taken), still had the ball yet he was still getting to his feet
All little things that he just needs to work on for me with us being where we are in the League
Definitely improvement in Hemed compared with his few performances earlier in the season. At least the effort is there now. Needs a partner up top though, he's not a lone striker.
Watched on the 'Red button as live too far away for midweek.
Enjoyed the game and thought all the lads put in a brilliant performance, the atmosphere sounded immense! Thought Doughty had a good game, despite some questionable crosses on his wrong foot.
How on earth are we joint top on goals scored from corners this season (9), our corners last night were the worst I have seen for years!
So good to have Cullen, JW and LT back.
Also thought Matthews had another solid game and never gets the plaudits.
Lets hope we can get some decent players in and push up the table!
I just don't see it in Hemed. He has no speed and I don't see any urgency in his play. Josh Davison looks stronger with his back to goal than Hemed. I appreciate he is up top on his own and not getting much help but he is a typical Duchatelet era signing. This is what we can get with the money we've got, i.e. not much.
Life’s little preoccupations meant I really wasn’t in the mood last night and, on reflection, should have watched it on telly. But it was my turn to drive so off to the Valley I (not so) jolly well went. To cap it all we had four tourists in the row behind who talked loudly non football related shite relentlessly all night which didn’t help my already intolerant mood. All of which is to say that I was in the sort of mood where the bad things were going to stick in my mind more than the good. Needless to say I didn’t enjoy it much.
With the above caveat please feel free to disregard what follows, but my abiding impressions were of a dour, uninteresting game for all of Fulham’s pretty patterns and our sterling efforts. A superb and unexpected point for us but a feeling that with a little more adventure and composure we could have had more. Our dead ball deliveries were universally wasteful and don’t get me started on throw ins. Do we actually practice this stuff? A feeling that with Mitrovic and Knockaert Fulham would have handed us our arses on a plate but maybe it’s our turn for a rub of the green. Whatever the case, although I understand completely the circumstances, two real efforts on goal at home in 90 minutes isn’t an easy watch.
I was particularly struck by our lack of the usual hero welcome for Taylor and, I suspect, so was he. When he and Jonny warmed up beneath us the chant was universally and loundly for Williams, then a noticeable gap and then a rather less voluble than normal Taylor song. A resounding, appropriate and grown up message “we like you and please stay but if you don’t want to we’ll get over it”. That said, he was mustard when he came on.
The positives on the pitch? Well 100% effort to a man was appreciated. But returning strengths are always going to highlight our weaknesses and the difference with Cullen, Taylor, Williams Etc on the field really highlighted for me that a number of our troopers are trying valiantly to punch above their weight - particularly Pearce, Morgan, and Purrington (despite the latter having a better game than normal). Their efforts are appreciated but if we are relying on them next season we will have been relegated. And I’m not getting the love for Oztumer who I badly wanted at the club. Buzzed around but to little effect and extraordinarily wasteful. Hemed showed for 30 minutes that there is/was a player there but ran badly out of juice. Lyle showed when he came on what we’ve been missing. The rest were terrific. Doughty is gonna be a star so long as he develops another couple of tricks and works on his right foot. Special mention for Pratley. The magnificent Cullen overshadowed him tonight but all the unseen stuff Pratley does is vital to us. POTY if he keeps his place and keeps it up.
Oh, and the best ref we’ve had all season. Didn’t notice him. Top man.
As for Fulham, clearly “better” than us in terms of silky football but powderpuff. And for a three quarters full Jimmy Seed I barely heard them. Listening to a few on the walk to the car you can tell that Spotty Squarejaw is as popular with them as he is with us. Funny bunch.
All in all a satisfactory day for Charlton even if I wasn’t in the mood. I’llcheer up for Barnsley. Promise.
We desperately need to work on corners and freekicks - pretty embarrassing last night. We don't look like scoring from open play so can't afford to waste these opportunities.
Thought Lyle Taylor got a decent reception last night. His brief cameo really showed what he offers to the team.
I just don't see it in Hemed. He has no speed and I don't see any urgency in his play. Josh Davison looks stronger with his back to goal than Hemed. I appreciate he is up top on his own and not getting much help but he is a typical Duchatelet era signing. This is what we can get with the money we've got, i.e. not much.
I totally agree. Thought that Davison showed far more against two big West Brom defenders than Hemed showed last night. They knew that they had been in a battle, whereas Hector strolled through the game up to the point that Lyle Taylor came on. Hemed tried but, surprisingly, has been found wanting in the games that he has played thus far.
Comments
Did we really have no goal attempts worth showing or are the edits more evidence that we only exist to make up the numbers?
Defensively we were excellent tonight. Pleased for Ben Purrington. Was having a wretched run of form pre xmas, but came back in tonight and performed okay against a tough team. I think both he, Matthews and Solly are far more comfortable as full backs than they are wing backs, so any involvement from these 3 should ideally be in back fours, as opposed to wing backs.
I would love to keep him, I don’t care what he does on social media or anything else that upsets our bedwetting brigade. Obviously, we have a wage structure and we have made him what we feel is a fair offer, and if he chooses to go I accept that, but it would be immense to read he’s staying with us. Would really add to the feel good factor after Bowyer signing
Finally, to Bowyer. The man’s a legend in the making. He’ll be massively pleased with that clean sheet, I think that was the most important thing coming out of last night. We have a good week to recover, rest and who knows, add some bodies and go again for the big 6 pointer against Barnsley
After all the pelters that he has received in recent weeks I thought that a special mention should go to Ben Purrington, who had a very solid game.
We offered very little going forward before the substitutions. Ozzy ran his socks off but he is no Jonny Williams. Hemed tried but never really bothered their defence and only started to win headers just before he was subbed. Alfie Doughty was our only attacking threat and what a great player he already is and will grow into.
As soon as Jonny came on the tide started to shift and once Lyle and Andre Green came on we actually looked dangerous. The ball started to stick up front and Lyle started to drag their defenders about. What a great ball Lyle put in late on.
A well deserved point and I'm feeling very positive about the rest of the season.
Agree with what has been said about Cullen, what a player, others have needed time to come back, not him chuck him straight back in and he gives you 90 minutes non stop running and battling, this kid is the real deal sign him up!
One on target (held low by keeper at near post from Doughty) and one 30-40 feet wide from Oztumer with his left foot.
As far as I can remember, we didn't have another effort at goal of any description. We also had a couple of bright moments; 1st half Doughty centred behind Hemed, when Hemed was in front of his man crying out for a tap in and Taylor's low ball to the far post, brilliantly flicked away for a corner with Williams in attendance.
By the third late fail on Johnny there shouldve been a booking to say enough is enough, if you cant stop him fairly you cant result to fouling him.
No wonder he ends up injured.
was strolling around like Beckenbaur at his peak,once Taylor got in his face he was all over the shop.
So,my opinion,get Taylor,and Williams signed up for 3 years,get Dougherty signed up before the vultures come calling.
Pay these guys the going rate ,if it breaks our wage structure,so be it.You will not replace Taylor or Williams for less than 15k-20k a week plus transfer fees.This should be a priority,if it limits what we spend on new players,so be it.
I would sound out Cullen as to his intentions.I Firmly believe that with these 4 players secured,we can make a show for the premiership next season.
Look how much better our defence was with a decent midfield(apart from the passing out)
Just what we needed to be honest. Pre match Bowyer signs a new contract, and then we take on a very talented Fulham side, and drag a point away from them, and by the sounds of it, as Taylor and Williams arrived late, we had a shout of nicking all three points.
Looking ahead, we really need to offer Taylor something to make him stay. He may want a lot, but anyone similar (and maybe younger) will also be looking for a higher end championship offer,. Like Bauer, Taylor may now have his mind set, but while he hasn't signed for anyone else, there is still room to negotiate. Williams, Doughty and Cullen are all on my wish list for next season before we start sniffing around new faces.
in the meantime we have ten days to regroup, get the injured back to 100% and get in a bit of fresh blood. With the injured returning, we maybe don't need too many - quality over quantity. But for today, I am a happy Addick.
Couldnt work out whether Hemed was poor or Hector, who had him in his pocket, excellent. Suspect more of the later, though Taylor asked more questions when he come on. What I’d have given for Gallagher to be bursting forward and playing off Taylor for that last 20. Grrr...
For a bloke that’s missed a lot of football he doesn’t really give the impression he enjoys playing it, does Hemed? The ref decided very early on he can’t be trusted in 50/50s not to exaggerate and promptly decided to give him nothing.
We looked a lot more balanced outfit with Cullen and Oztumer in there, and Doughty continues to perform. Morgan is just not quite doing enough to hold onto a place going forward from now and it will be interesting to see if Doughty can continue to maintain his. We were more settled at the back, partly due to the midfield in front and partly due to Fulham’s ineffectiveness. Matthews has been a very sound addition imo.
Fulham really disappointed me and in hindsight I’m gutted we didn’t really push for the three points, but a clean sheet and a bit more confidence hopefully can springboard us.
I missed Bristol City so not seen us win now since Derby in October. It feels a very long time ago.
Instead sat down on his arse and went looking for a free kick which was rightly waved away and so gave the ball back too easily
The other occasion was again when he went down, no free kick given, few moments later we'd won a throw in (which we'd taken), still had the ball yet he was still getting to his feet
All little things that he just needs to work on for me with us being where we are in the League
Enjoyed the game and thought all the lads put in a brilliant performance, the atmosphere sounded immense! Thought Doughty had a good game, despite some questionable crosses on his wrong foot.
How on earth are we joint top on goals scored from corners this season (9), our corners last night were the worst I have seen for years!
So good to have Cullen, JW and LT back.
Also thought Matthews had another solid game and never gets the plaudits.
Lets hope we can get some decent players in and push up the table!
All in all a satisfactory day for Charlton even if I wasn’t in the mood. I’llcheer up for Barnsley. Promise.
Thought Lyle Taylor got a decent reception last night. His brief cameo really showed what he offers to the team.
A good win against Barnsley will really lift us.
Hemed tried but, surprisingly, has been found wanting in the games that he has played thus far.