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Post-match Thread: Wigan Athletic v Charlton Athletic | Tues 2 March 2021
Comments
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We really needed that, but in all honesty I don't remember feeling less excited about a win. It was a big improvement and in the first half, at least, we looked comfortably the better side. JFC in particular looked the part as a proper midfielder.
It was a different story in the second half though and we really allowed them too much of the ball. I fear that a better team than Wigan - and let's be in no doubt this division is packed with teams better than Wigan - would have reversed that. Still you can only beat what's in front of you. Here's hoping this is the start of better things.6 -
Morgan would have been an improvement over Smith, as he has more energyCovered_End_Lad said:
Lapslie would have been excellent in that midfield.ColinTat said:I can't say I enjoyed much of that. Washington's running from first to last was immense. He took up good positions in the box as well but the low cross/pull back didn't come in or it was a little too tight. For the first time in weeks a lot of performances were par.
The attitude was right from first to last, we just can't press as a midfield unit. Wanted Smith to snap into the Wigan players sometimes, he could have won the ball if he did. But then I thought and could see him thinking if I don't win the ball they're past me and onto Watson or two passes from a shot. He was the only out right midfielder who looked like he could press, but couldn't do it on his own.
Can't see how anyone wouldn't play Pearce in this league. His communication was top class, his agitation when moving out to the channels when Matthews was up field and caught out was crucial - it might look ugly but he's almost damned with his lack of pace. His heading and clearances were always effective. I'm OK with Oshilaja, I see the defensive problems starting more in midfield, but his lack of height limits the yards he gets on headed clearances.
I just can't see enough defensive energy in that midfield. They're all capable players, they're all willing. None of them have that snap in turnover or secondary ball. If we had one more player like Washington played today, but in central midfield we might make a team.
Smith has good control, but he wasn't really affecting the game with forward passes or running. And blatantly pulled out of a 50/50, which seems to be a cardinal sin under Bowyer...1 -
@KBslittlesis I hope Brownie apologised for not doing the radio commentary properly? When he went off on one of his excellent rambles (like in the build-up to our goal) I kept thinking of you and how you'd have no idea what was happening!4
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Had a chat with dad at half time and ended up holding up my phone in front of the telly for second half so dad could follow. An 80 year was very happy as was I when the whistle blew. A decent ref today.
The performance today was right. Yes there could have been more goals and better use of possession, however we competed across the pitch for the entire game. There were times when we sat back but despite Wigan having the ball, they were not allowed to do much with it. I'm happy tonight.
A win.
A clean sheet for Amos and back 10 at times.
Chuks scoring.
A battling performance.
If I'd been at the game tonight, I'd have felt very content on the way home from the North-West, a tough area to collect points over the years. Hoping this gives the team some confidence to take going forwards.
Keep it going Lee..as much as people have been calling for you to go (me included) we'd love for you to turn it around and take us up again.9 -
Looking at LB's post match comments, I now think he was actually referring to TS and his publically announced aggressive promotion target as being the 'Real problem' last week that he was not going to say.
If that's how he feels, then fair play and it has shown in weird lineups, formations and subs. He's been outside his comfort zone. But perhaps going back to basics could help all realise that they and we are not world beaters.3 -
Brownie was great. Love seeing all these fondly remembered old players and managers back around the place - says as clearly as anything that the club is being run with the fans in mind once again and that we will get there eventually even if we are going through a tough patch on the pitch right now.Weegie Addick said:@KBslittlesis I hope Brownie apologised for not doing the radio commentary properly? When he went off on one of his excellent rambles (like in the build-up to our goal) I kept thinking of you and how you'd have no idea what was happening!4 -
Don't know why there is all this love for Steve Brown. I mean, what insight can a goalkeeper give about defending....😄Redrobo said:
You are so right about Brownie. His insights on what was happening in the game and little details on how players could have done it differently and better was illuminating. Best commentary I have heard in years, very impressive.Fanny Fanackapan said:PHEW !
Yet another of those games we've come to expect & fear.....one of 2 halves.
But keeping a clean sheet in both plus a superb finish from Chuks to get our noses in front just about did the job.
LOVED Stevie B's commentary/comments throughout. He summed up each situation as it occurred : what was working or not, why young Maatsen's positioning was all wrong in the later stages, pointing out when Watson was doing a good job helping out the centre backs etc etc.
For me, one of the differences from tonight's performance and those in recent weeks was that we were more proactive than reactive. And the decisions made were decent ones on the whole....and no discernible, major errors at the back.....hurrah !
As has been pointed out on numerous occasions this season, one swallow does not a summer make.
But it definitely is a step in the right direction and will hopefully point the gaffer towards that light bulb moment when he acknowledges his best starting line up. We can but hope.
My MOTM ?
Tonight, the skipper impressed me hugely & led by example, bless his cotton socks.
So, it's onwards to the city of dreaming spires and no doubt a warm welcome from former fans' favourite garrulous gaffer.
Could we make it 2 wins in a row & take another baby step towards the top 6 ? Loins are being girded as we speak.
Stranger things have happened at sea but then again, that's where our lads have found themselves all too often.....
JFC best player on the pitch first half. Famewo my MOM. Would not argue with Pearce though. Best game in a while.10 -
Ok, I know nothing but it has always seemed like too much training on a Sunday.ForeverAddickted said:
All work no play, keeps the stress in play.2 -
Any win is welcome after the horror run that we are on at present so even though Wigan are bottom of the table and doomed we take the three points.
Football is a very, very simple game despite all the noise and fury that surrounds it, you win games by scoring one more goal than the opposition - that's all you need to do.
That being the case you make your job a lot easier when you are not shipping two or three - or even four - goals in a game as we have done in twelve of our last nineteen games.
Guess what happened in the games where we conceded less than two goals? We won four, drew two and lost one - not really rocket science, is it?
If we get the defence right and back to where it was in October then we still have a chance of the Play Offs because in Aneke, Stockley, Millar and Schwartz we have enough talent in attack to score goals to win games.
Bowyer has clearly not got it right these last couple of months but there is still time to turn things around - there is still more than a quarter of the season left - so despite it all there is still everything to play for.1 -
Quite unusual but fascinating when Brownie is in the commentary box, as it feels like you're sitting next a coach in the stand and he's explaining to you exactly what's going on out there.
So much more detail that a co-commentator normally provides, and I'm talking about the ones on TV and Radio not Greg and Terry.23 - Sponsored links:
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A major improvement on the last couple of performances and a hugely welcome 3 points and clean sheet.
After 45 minutes of sheer enjoyment watching Scott Minto, Curbs and Garry Nelson, the team turned in a good 45 themselves, with JFC excelling in midfield and Chuks constantly troubling Wigan's wobbly central defenders. Smith and Watson also played well in a solid midfield three and only a ridiculous refereeing decision denied us a penalty to add to Chuks' strike on 19 minutes. Wigan had some joy down our left side, with Maatsen seeming to wander all over the pitch, but Washington's doubling up as an auxiliary left back helped stem the tide.
The second half was a different story, with Wigan on the front foot and Charlton defending increasingly deep and leaving Chuks largely isolated up top. We lost control of the midfield and were content to sit back and get men behind the ball, although we defended well. While there were inevitably one or two close shaves, Amos was never seriously extended, thanks in part to Wigan's lamentable shooting (a most welcome contrast to some of our other recent opponents). We didn't offer much as an attacking force in the second period, save for Millar's shot which was cleared close to the line and Washington's blocked close range effort after Matthew's pulled the ball back from the byeline.
Overall, our defence performed well, with Jason Pearce to the fore. It was just his sort of game, with lots of clearing headers and well-timed blocks, rather than having to deal with nippy forwards running at him. Alongside Pearcey, Famewo turned in another strong performance, as did Adam Matthews, who I feel would really benefit from a run of games in the team. On the left Maatsen put in a couple of good crosses in the first half and a few decent tackles towards the end, but generally, I felt he was a weak link and one that Wigan targeted. Maybe there was some tactical nuance that I didn't grasp, as he seemed to be wandering all over the pitch, leaving Washington to drop back and cover our left flank. I know Maatsen is Dutch, but I do not think this Charlton side is quite ready to emulate the Total Football of Rinus Michels' 1974 World Cup side.
JFC had a fine game in midfield and I really hope he's ok for Saturday. Smith faded a little in the second half, although Watson came to the fore in one of his best performances of the season. Millar was below par, although still a threat, and I would prefer to see him out on the left wing where he seems to do most of his best work.
Up front, Chuks had a very good first half, although he became more isolated in the second half as we sat deeper and he found it difficult to bring others into play. Connor Washington worked hard, flicking on a header for Chuks' goal and having a close range effort blocked. He should have done better in the first half when he neatly worked himself a good shooting opportunity 20 yards out, only to blast over. He also regularly doubled up as cover for Maatsen at left back and very did well in that respect.
Oxford will be a very different proposition on Saturday, although if we approach the game positively and, like tonight, don't make any daft errors, we can get a result there. If JFC is fit, I'd like to see an unchanged midfield; if not, I expect Shinnie (most likely) or Morgan will slot in. I'd prefer to see Purrington in at left back to give us a bit more solidity and I imagine that Stockley will start up front, especially if Chuks' hamstring is thought to be at risk.
The second half was nervy but, overall, it was a most enjoyable evening - and one, as Fanny has said, which was greatly enhanced by Browny's expert analysis and insight.16 -
All round top post. Couldn't agree more.
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Probs only on cos his sons playingking addick said:
Ahhh he's not is he? Get Brown or Nelson in as regulars. Rob Lee there was crap !stoneroses19 said:Rob Lee back for Saturday on VP
How comes Leaburn ain't been on yet?0 -
Lovie Brownie in comms, better than any tosh on BT or sky, not really happy about Rob Lee being up, last time didn't seem to interested in the club, and despite playing over 300 games for us, and giving him his start, hardly get a mention in his career4
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JamesSeed said:
Really, or rarely? Gotta be rarely?Bods64 said:Result and clean sheet way more important than the performance in my opinion. Something to build on hopefully. Pearce had his best game for us this season and Watson helped plug the gaps in cm. Probably should have scored more 1st half goals which perhaps would have made the 2nd half more palatable. Although Wigan threatened more in 2nd half I don't believe BenAmos was really troubled.
Yeah sorry JS but my original message had become truncated for some reason. See page 5!
Same as their keeper really.
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Positives:
Stopped the rot
Clean sheet
JFC back
Another goal for Aneke
Players actually seemed to care and put a shift in
Negatives:
Wigan are dire and a better side would probably have beaten us
A measure of whether we have truly turned a corner will come at Oxford on Saturday.2 -
It is a cardinal sin. Brings back horrible memories of Alan McCormack, who Parkinson hauled off minutes later at half time.killerandflash said:
Morgan would have been an improvement over Smith, as he has more energyCovered_End_Lad said:
Lapslie would have been excellent in that midfield.ColinTat said:I can't say I enjoyed much of that. Washington's running from first to last was immense. He took up good positions in the box as well but the low cross/pull back didn't come in or it was a little too tight. For the first time in weeks a lot of performances were par.
The attitude was right from first to last, we just can't press as a midfield unit. Wanted Smith to snap into the Wigan players sometimes, he could have won the ball if he did. But then I thought and could see him thinking if I don't win the ball they're past me and onto Watson or two passes from a shot. He was the only out right midfielder who looked like he could press, but couldn't do it on his own.
Can't see how anyone wouldn't play Pearce in this league. His communication was top class, his agitation when moving out to the channels when Matthews was up field and caught out was crucial - it might look ugly but he's almost damned with his lack of pace. His heading and clearances were always effective. I'm OK with Oshilaja, I see the defensive problems starting more in midfield, but his lack of height limits the yards he gets on headed clearances.
I just can't see enough defensive energy in that midfield. They're all capable players, they're all willing. None of them have that snap in turnover or secondary ball. If we had one more player like Washington played today, but in central midfield we might make a team.
Smith has good control, but he wasn't really affecting the game with forward passes or running. And blatantly pulled out of a 50/50, which seems to be a cardinal sin under Bowyer...Bowyer has spoken a lot of nonsense after defeats recently but that wasn’t among it. As an aside, watch the crap Klopp comes out with when they lose - and that’s an articulate, academically intelligent bloke . I know that’s not the point you were making btw !0 -
We won and to me didn’t even get out of second gear , we are a better team than that .
Slowly slowly pick ourselves up from this shameful run of form and we are good enough to be knocking on the play offs door .
Oxford next and we can win there but will need an improvement on last night.Positive for me Watson who is a class act and can read the game so well , negative for me Smith weak as piss .
the play offs are back on COYR
10% play offs
60% 7th-12th
30% 13th-20th
Footnote : Bowyer seemed even more down than previously, looked like he was gonna cry , is someone bullying him 🤷♂️4 -
Was anyone else convinced they'd get a corner and score an equaliser in the 90th minute? That would've been the story of our season. It felt strange for the final whistle to go and not to feel deflated!It makes me think back to all the silly games we've dropped points it: Pearce's header back to the goalkeeper, Shrewsbury scoring in the 90th minute after not threatening, Aneke hitting the bar against Rochdale from point blank, Pitman for Swindon in the 90th minute, ... That's at least 9 points dropped in the most avoidable way.With those, we'd be sitting 4th, 3 points off the automatics.(And that's not even including games like Peterborough where we looked good and then gifted them goals.)It's fine margins and we've often been on the wrong side of them.15
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All our away wins have been to nil. Surely this must be some kind of record, no?1
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Deserves praise for that, a counter-intuitive masterstroke. I wouldn't have dreamed of giving the players a day off after the lazy performance against Blackpool. But it seemed to work wonders.The Red Robin said:1 -
Good to see a win and 3 points. I wasn't able to watch the game but seems like there were some positives for once! Like a few people have said Oxford will be a bigger test and it's so important we don't concede early against them so we can grow into the game.
I'm glad Pearce played well. We all know he's on the slide but a solid player doesn't become a complete liability over night and with a young lad like Famewo in beside him I think we could build on this.
In regards to the Sunday training comment from Bowyer isn't it standard practice for the pros to come in the day after a match for some stretches and warm down work then rest on the Monday?0 -
I'm with the crowd today - a badly needed win, and while Wigan may be a genuinely poor team, we did what we had to, and there were enough positives on the pitch to be happy about. Not exactly a huge win, but a good feeling none the less, and I hope Bowyer can read the positives (JFC, Aneke, etc) andvresist the urge to change.
As an aside, judging by the Steve Brown comments, should Bowyer be looking over his shoulder at a potential management threat?1 -
The good
3 points
clean sheet
Chuks goal
Washington
Energy and commitment from the players
LB has not lost the dressing room
Smith looked promising
We’ve missed JFC
Good performance from Watson, Pearce
Good organisation at the back
The bad
Only scored once
Hanging on in the second half
Smith and DJ, poor first touch
Some poor tackles and passes gave the ball away needlessly
Carved open a few times with ease by a poor side
A better side would probably have scored at least one, maybe two
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Happy with the win, we should have killed it off before half time. Anyone who saw Blackpool's first penalty award on Saturday and said it was stonewall, or "50/50, but I have seen them given", and does not think our shout in the first half was at least as genuine needs their head examined.0
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Good to get a win and a clean sheet - let's hope for a decent display on Saturday.
I don't understand why we are so much worse at home.1
