Is it beyond NJs tactical nous to have TC and Small swop sides for five minutes a couple of times a match? It wont impact our defensive shape too much, but may expose deficiencies in opponents.
It would impact our defensive shape quite a bit. Small does a lot more defending on the right (dropping into a back 5) than TC does on the left (basically none at all)
Well how times change so quickly,I was up there with a lot of people saying this was the worst Charlton team ever.Now I cant believe the improvement,players like Docherty,Campbell,Small,and others are now looking like they are playing for the shirt,which is all we ask.Add to that our defensive record now Jones is back,and the whole team looks to be on another level.Delighted with the clean sheets,but we now need to get the one nil results to finish it off.I thought yesterdays game was really entertaining,the last 30 minutes was probably in my opinion,the best spell we have played all season,very unlucky not to score. Now the crunch,some very tough away trips coming up which I think will define our season,4-5 point from the next 4 away games will be a major success.
Then the question I'd put to you is why the heck haven't the likes of Docherty, Campbell, Small et al played with the same effort and enthusiasm all season?
Because the performances against the like of Burton Crawley and Leyton Orient were genuinely some of the worst I have ever seen.
They’ve been looking after their sore necks after watching the ball lumped over their heads for 90 minutes.
It’s not surprising several players look better when we play decent football.
I don’t think long ball was needed to get to a good place defensively. A more balanced approach would likely have gained more points.
Now we have a fit Leaburn it definitely helps. Any ball that went into Ahadme’s feet early season was quickly on its way back at us to defend
Definitely, though even Ahadme would look better now we look to pass the ball rather than hoof it as the default option.
Is it beyond NJs tactical nous to have TC and Small swop sides for five minutes a couple of times a match? It wont impact our defensive shape too much, but may expose deficiencies in opponents.
It’s an option, but I can understand why he hasn’t. We defend in a 5-3-2/3-5-2 shape, and Small is naturally a WB, while TC is much more suited to defending high up the pitch as one of the front two.
Much more like it, that's how football should be played, 2 teams going at each other, none of this long ball nonsense, none of this trying to play like Barcelona, a good mixture of everything with widemen trying to make things happen. Yes our wide men are not good enough, or at least dont have a good footballing brains, however get in a couple of more with pace to keep TC and small on their toes and we will win more then would lose.
First time I have felt postive after game for a very long time and we didnt even win!! If Jones and the team can keep that up then there will be a good chance getting to the playoffs. I'm still miserable though so fully expect it all to go wrong with as we are an injury or 2 away or player been sold away from being shit again.
TC and Small need another winger plus Ramsay back to compete with.
For me we need to sign a minimum of 3 players, Someone quick and can finish up top, an out and out winger and another wing back that can play end to end.
Is it beyond NJs tactical nous to have TC and Small swop sides for five minutes a couple of times a match? It wont impact our defensive shape too much, but may expose deficiencies in opponents.
It would impact our defensive shape quite a bit. Small does a lot more defending on the right (dropping into a back 5) than TC does on the left (basically none at all)
Given most of our side are RFd, I doubt this would be an issue for short periods. Alternatively you would have two wide players able to deliver crosses with their favoured foot to a 6'6" forward.
Two things. Firstly, it’s quite fiddly to watch the match highlights on Sky. You seem to have to fast forward through loads of matches to get to the Charlton one, including the previous week’s matches. Or is there a way round that? And the highlights reminded me that TC has really improved his hold up play this season, not something you expect from a winger type at this level.
Tennai watson must have improved since his early days at Charlton when I seem to recall most games he was referred to as TWat son as is who is that Twat Son?
Need 41 from the remaining 23 to get to the 75 mark that’s usually needed for top six.
Brum, Wycombe, Wrexham & Stockport all away from home will be a tough ask
On the other end though, that means there’s plenty of poor teams still to come to the Valley where picking off three points consistently will be critical.
We can do it. 12 points from the last six with only two goals conceded and four clean sheets so recent form is tracking the right way.
Win all our remaining home games and pick up a point at every away equals 79 points.
It’s not going to happen.
Blame first half of season for our downfall .
Blimey. Sack the rest of the season off then. See you in August!
Come back to me in August.
Anything other than a play-off finish is failure.
No its not they want an improvement on last season as the first step in the process.… top 10 would be an improvement.……
You know my comment is correct...One place above our finish last season would be an improvement..,.,
What process is this?....,.,.
It seems to me Elfsborg, that the only measure that would satisfy you is automatic promotion. You only have to look back at the start of the Alan Curbishley/Steve Gritt years to realise that it was not instant success but a steady build up from a poor position. Not to say that Lennie Lawrence did anything wrong but the first game that we played at Upton Park, the squad was threadbare, winning 2-1 incidently, fast forward to the Wembley play off final and the squad was unrecognisable from that day at Upton Park. In between that time we sold and lost some great players, Simon Webster, Robert Lee, Carl Leaburn, Lee Bowyer, Bob Bolder, Colin Walsh, Darren Pitcher. Even when we got to the Premier there was a steady build up of players able to handle that level. There is the early shoots of hope springing up at the Valley and the thing that I absolutely agree with Nathan Jones, Charlie or any of the people running the club, is that considering what has gone before this has to be based on steady progress, not the rarity of overnight success.
A play-off finish as a minimum.
Elfsborg, genuine question, not a dig, do you attend the matches at the Valley ?
Live in Brazil. But attended four this season when over before Christmas.
The reason I ask is that yesterday there was a feel good atmosphere about the place, despite the sub zero temperatures. This is obviously because of the recent upturn of form but I find when I watch on the stream I have a detachment from what is going on in the ground, it's a soulless experience if you like. I have also noticed that posters who are, in the main watching the games by stream, have a more critical eye, that may be a sense of realism, it may not, but trust me, the games you probably watched live were pretty turgid, yesterdays performance and the whole experience in the ground was a world away.
Point of order, it was some way off sub zero temperatures (just in case Elfs was inclined to post a picture of a beach).
Sporadic, when you get to sixty six anything below 20 degrees feels sub zero, Golfie would have appreciated my outfit yesterday, golfing thermals and base layers, all the gear but no idea.
Tennai watson must have improved since his early days at Charlton when I seem to recall most games he was referred to as TWat son as is who is that Twat Son?
Need 41 from the remaining 23 to get to the 75 mark that’s usually needed for top six.
Brum, Wycombe, Wrexham & Stockport all away from home will be a tough ask
On the other end though, that means there’s plenty of poor teams still to come to the Valley where picking off three points consistently will be critical.
We can do it. 12 points from the last six with only two goals conceded and four clean sheets so recent form is tracking the right way.
Win all our remaining home games and pick up a point at every away equals 79 points.
It’s not going to happen.
Blame first half of season for our downfall .
Blimey. Sack the rest of the season off then. See you in August!
Come back to me in August.
Anything other than a play-off finish is failure.
No its not they want an improvement on last season as the first step in the process.… top 10 would be an improvement.……
You know my comment is correct...One place above our finish last season would be an improvement..,.,
What process is this?....,.,.
It seems to me Elfsborg, that the only measure that would satisfy you is automatic promotion. You only have to look back at the start of the Alan Curbishley/Steve Gritt years to realise that it was not instant success but a steady build up from a poor position. Not to say that Lennie Lawrence did anything wrong but the first game that we played at Upton Park, the squad was threadbare, winning 2-1 incidently, fast forward to the Wembley play off final and the squad was unrecognisable from that day at Upton Park. In between that time we sold and lost some great players, Simon Webster, Robert Lee, Carl Leaburn, Lee Bowyer, Bob Bolder, Colin Walsh, Darren Pitcher. Even when we got to the Premier there was a steady build up of players able to handle that level. There is the early shoots of hope springing up at the Valley and the thing that I absolutely agree with Nathan Jones, Charlie or any of the people running the club, is that considering what has gone before this has to be based on steady progress, not the rarity of overnight success.
A play-off finish as a minimum.
Elfsborg, genuine question, not a dig, do you attend the matches at the Valley ?
Live in Brazil. But attended four this season when over before Christmas.
The reason I ask is that yesterday there was a feel good atmosphere about the place, despite the sub zero temperatures. This is obviously because of the recent upturn of form but I find when I watch on the stream I have a detachment from what is going on in the ground, it's a soulless experience if you like. I have also noticed that posters who are, in the main watching the games by stream, have a more critical eye, that may be a sense of realism, it may not, but trust me, the games you probably watched live were pretty turgid, yesterdays performance and the whole experience in the ground was a world away.
Fair comment. I was at the Rotherham and Chelsea homes, Reading and Exeter aways.
Imagine flying all the way from Brazil to see us pick up one point in 3 games 😂
I flew from USA to visit my Dad and saw the worst performance I can ever remember from a Charlton side vs Crawley…..depressing
Need 41 from the remaining 23 to get to the 75 mark that’s usually needed for top six.
Brum, Wycombe, Wrexham & Stockport all away from home will be a tough ask
On the other end though, that means there’s plenty of poor teams still to come to the Valley where picking off three points consistently will be critical.
We can do it. 12 points from the last six with only two goals conceded and four clean sheets so recent form is tracking the right way.
Win all our remaining home games and pick up a point at every away equals 79 points.
It’s not going to happen.
Blame first half of season for our downfall .
Blimey. Sack the rest of the season off then. See you in August!
Come back to me in August.
Anything other than a play-off finish is failure.
No its not they want an improvement on last season as the first step in the process.… top 10 would be an improvement.……
You know my comment is correct...One place above our finish last season would be an improvement..,.,
What process is this?....,.,.
It seems to me Elfsborg, that the only measure that would satisfy you is automatic promotion. You only have to look back at the start of the Alan Curbishley/Steve Gritt years to realise that it was not instant success but a steady build up from a poor position. Not to say that Lennie Lawrence did anything wrong but the first game that we played at Upton Park, the squad was threadbare, winning 2-1 incidently, fast forward to the Wembley play off final and the squad was unrecognisable from that day at Upton Park. In between that time we sold and lost some great players, Simon Webster, Robert Lee, Carl Leaburn, Lee Bowyer, Bob Bolder, Colin Walsh, Darren Pitcher. Even when we got to the Premier there was a steady build up of players able to handle that level. There is the early shoots of hope springing up at the Valley and the thing that I absolutely agree with Nathan Jones, Charlie or any of the people running the club, is that considering what has gone before this has to be based on steady progress, not the rarity of overnight success.
A play-off finish as a minimum.
Elfsborg, genuine question, not a dig, do you attend the matches at the Valley ?
Live in Brazil. But attended four this season when over before Christmas.
The reason I ask is that yesterday there was a feel good atmosphere about the place, despite the sub zero temperatures. This is obviously because of the recent upturn of form but I find when I watch on the stream I have a detachment from what is going on in the ground, it's a soulless experience if you like. I have also noticed that posters who are, in the main watching the games by stream, have a more critical eye, that may be a sense of realism, it may not, but trust me, the games you probably watched live were pretty turgid, yesterdays performance and the whole experience in the ground was a world away.
Fair comment. I was at the Rotherham and Chelsea homes, Reading and Exeter aways.
Imagine flying all the way from Brazil to see us pick up one point in 3 games 😂
I flew from USA to visit my Dad and saw the worst performance I can ever remember from a Charlton side vs Crawley…..depressing
Could have been worse, you could have flown over for the Crawley away match!
Need 41 from the remaining 23 to get to the 75 mark that’s usually needed for top six.
Brum, Wycombe, Wrexham & Stockport all away from home will be a tough ask
On the other end though, that means there’s plenty of poor teams still to come to the Valley where picking off three points consistently will be critical.
We can do it. 12 points from the last six with only two goals conceded and four clean sheets so recent form is tracking the right way.
Win all our remaining home games and pick up a point at every away equals 79 points.
It’s not going to happen.
Blame first half of season for our downfall .
Blimey. Sack the rest of the season off then. See you in August!
Come back to me in August.
Anything other than a play-off finish is failure.
No its not they want an improvement on last season as the first step in the process.… top 10 would be an improvement.……
You know my comment is correct...One place above our finish last season would be an improvement..,.,
What process is this?....,.,.
It seems to me Elfsborg, that the only measure that would satisfy you is automatic promotion. You only have to look back at the start of the Alan Curbishley/Steve Gritt years to realise that it was not instant success but a steady build up from a poor position. Not to say that Lennie Lawrence did anything wrong but the first game that we played at Upton Park, the squad was threadbare, winning 2-1 incidently, fast forward to the Wembley play off final and the squad was unrecognisable from that day at Upton Park. In between that time we sold and lost some great players, Simon Webster, Robert Lee, Carl Leaburn, Lee Bowyer, Bob Bolder, Colin Walsh, Darren Pitcher. Even when we got to the Premier there was a steady build up of players able to handle that level. There is the early shoots of hope springing up at the Valley and the thing that I absolutely agree with Nathan Jones, Charlie or any of the people running the club, is that considering what has gone before this has to be based on steady progress, not the rarity of overnight success.
A play-off finish as a minimum.
Elfsborg, genuine question, not a dig, do you attend the matches at the Valley ?
Live in Brazil. But attended four this season when over before Christmas.
The reason I ask is that yesterday there was a feel good atmosphere about the place, despite the sub zero temperatures. This is obviously because of the recent upturn of form but I find when I watch on the stream I have a detachment from what is going on in the ground, it's a soulless experience if you like. I have also noticed that posters who are, in the main watching the games by stream, have a more critical eye, that may be a sense of realism, it may not, but trust me, the games you probably watched live were pretty turgid, yesterdays performance and the whole experience in the ground was a world away.
Fair comment. I was at the Rotherham and Chelsea homes, Reading and Exeter aways.
Imagine flying all the way from Brazil to see us pick up one point in 3 games 😂
I flew from USA to visit my Dad and saw the worst performance I can ever remember from a Charlton side vs Crawley…..depressing
Could have been worse, you could have flown over for the Crawley away match!
The balance of the bench looks wrong at the moment, with effectively 3 No 9s on it. Surely there must be as pacey winger in the U21s who could have taken the place of one of the strikers, and given us something different from the bench?
Jones clearly doesn't like his bench, as he rarely make all 5 subs (despite this being the busy Christmas period), indeed the last 2 games he's only used 2 of them, and against Cambridge just 3, right at the end to kill time.
Kanu even would give us some pace off of the bench (unless he’s injured at the moment?). I know people will think Dixon is the natural answer but I’m not certain that he’s ready for this level of football, even if only off the bench for 20 mins at the end of a match.
I refuse to believe that Dixon isn't ready for a 10 min cameo against tiring defenders. Better option than puttimg Ahadme or Hylton on.
Well how times change so quickly,I was up there with a lot of people saying this was the worst Charlton team ever.Now I cant believe the improvement,players like Docherty,Campbell,Small,and others are now looking like they are playing for the shirt,which is all we ask.Add to that our defensive record now Jones is back,and the whole team looks to be on another level.Delighted with the clean sheets,but we now need to get the one nil results to finish it off.I thought yesterdays game was really entertaining,the last 30 minutes was probably in my opinion,the best spell we have played all season,very unlucky not to score. Now the crunch,some very tough away trips coming up which I think will define our season,4-5 point from the next 4 away games will be a major success.
Then the question I'd put to you is why the heck haven't the likes of Docherty, Campbell, Small et al played with the same effort and enthusiasm all season?
Because the performances against the like of Burton Crawley and Leyton Orient were genuinely some of the worst I have ever seen.
They’ve been looking after their sore necks after watching the ball lumped over their heads for 90 minutes.
It’s not surprising several players look better when we play decent football.
I don’t think long ball was needed to get to a good place defensively. A more balanced approach would likely have gained more points.
Now we have a fit Leaburn it definitely helps. Any ball that went into Ahadme’s feet early season was quickly on its way back at us to defend
Definitely, though even Ahadme would look better now we look to pass the ball rather than hoof it as the default option.
I’m not sure about that mate I think he is far too slow to play passing football he always looks like Bambi on ice. I think we need to accept we had our pants taken down with him
The balance of the bench looks wrong at the moment, with effectively 3 No 9s on it. Surely there must be as pacey winger in the U21s who could have taken the place of one of the strikers, and given us something different from the bench?
Jones clearly doesn't like his bench, as he rarely make all 5 subs (despite this being the busy Christmas period), indeed the last 2 games he's only used 2 of them, and against Cambridge just 3, right at the end to kill time.
Kanu even would give us some pace off of the bench (unless he’s injured at the moment?). I know people will think Dixon is the natural answer but I’m not certain that he’s ready for this level of football, even if only off the bench for 20 mins at the end of a match.
I refuse to believe that Dixon isn't ready for a 10 min cameo against tiring defenders. Better option than puttimg Ahadme or Hylton on.
I agree mate the only time he has been tried NJ had him playing a pretty defensive role. Give him the last 10/15 mins and tell him to just run forward all the time
Brought my 7 year old daughter up to the Valley for her first home game for this one, she really enjoyed it. She was briefly interviewed by Charlotte for Charlton TV, got a first game certificate of attendance when she arrived at her seat (nice little touch), got photos with a few of the players and enjoyed table tennis and table football in Valley Central pre game. She loved the game and being sat behind the dugout too and having enjoyed the atmosphere and performance is keen to come back so that’s a massive win.
Beyond that, It was good to see us pushing and stretching a side with the ball either through switches and overloads to Small for him to go past players or TC spinning in behind time and time again.
Whilst the passing around the back is not for those of a nervous disposition, we seemed to be moving it around with a lot more commitment and purpose, with quicker and more direct passing playing us out and creating space. AMB distribution is improving bit by bit, and although he delayed quick outballs a handful of times and frustrated the crowd at least it gave time for players to get shape.
Having witness too many lumped diagonals this season, it’s great to see us working the ball around, we still lack the ball carrier in midfield to turn defenders into attack, and whilst we’re looking good atm with the wing backs, its heavily reliant on players being fit and capable that can play that role, we need to have answers when those players are missing. The central midfield on paper seems an embarrassment of riches but NJ hasn’t found formula to get best of them, Berry positionally wasnt great yesterday much to NJs frustration. Doc seems to be growing into the role with each game, and Coventry is consistent if not inspiring.
Late to the party, but I thought Josh Edwards was absolutely class yesterday. Handled his defensive duties and was linking up with TC really well, they're building a real understanding, and Edwards seems to have a hell of an engine.
Other than that, as mentioned, TC and Jones, class. Thought Mitchell also had a standard decent game, and Small did well, made a serious effort, he just lacks a bit in the final third like TC.
Overrall, happy with the point, just a shame we are fighting an uphill battle and done so shit a few games ago.
Well how times change so quickly,I was up there with a lot of people saying this was the worst Charlton team ever.Now I cant believe the improvement,players like Docherty,Campbell,Small,and others are now looking like they are playing for the shirt,which is all we ask.Add to that our defensive record now Jones is back,and the whole team looks to be on another level.Delighted with the clean sheets,but we now need to get the one nil results to finish it off.I thought yesterdays game was really entertaining,the last 30 minutes was probably in my opinion,the best spell we have played all season,very unlucky not to score. Now the crunch,some very tough away trips coming up which I think will define our season,4-5 point from the next 4 away games will be a major success.
Then the question I'd put to you is why the heck haven't the likes of Docherty, Campbell, Small et al played with the same effort and enthusiasm all season?
Because the performances against the like of Burton Crawley and Leyton Orient were genuinely some of the worst I have ever seen.
They’ve been looking after their sore necks after watching the ball lumped over their heads for 90 minutes.
It’s not surprising several players look better when we play decent football.
I don’t think long ball was needed to get to a good place defensively. A more balanced approach would likely have gained more points.
Now we have a fit Leaburn it definitely helps. Any ball that went into Ahadme’s feet early season was quickly on its way back at us to defend
Definitely, though even Ahadme would look better now we look to pass the ball rather than hoof it as the default option.
I’m not sure about that mate I think he is far too slow to play passing football he always looks like Bambi on ice. I think we need to accept we had our pants taken down with him
Don’t disagree on the last bit, but that hoofball system didn’t give our strikers a chance. He got into double figures at Cambridge, he’s not been good enough for us, but that doesn’t make him non-league as some have suggested.
Something worth noting as well, is Gillesphey. That was his best game I can remember so far imo and he was getting pelters at the game around me, and on LL's thread, he's getting some of the lowest ratings.
On fotmob and whoscored, he was statistically the best player yesterday and comfortably.
I still think we should improve on him if we can, but he's deffo better with Lloyd Jones next to him and in a 3, similar to Mitchell. Mitchell is just a lot more capable physically and one on one.
Brought my 7 year old daughter up to the Valley for her first home game for this one, she really enjoyed it. She was briefly interviewed by Charlotte for Charlton TV, got a first game certificate of attendance when she arrived at her seat (nice little touch), got photos with a few of the players and enjoyed table tennis and table football in Valley Central pre game. She loved the game and being sat behind the dugout too and having enjoyed the atmosphere and performance is keen to come back so that’s a massive win.
Beyond that, It was good to see us pushing and stretching a side with the ball either through switches and overloads to Small for him to go past players or TC spinning in behind time and time again.
Whilst the passing around the back is not for those of a nervous disposition, we seemed to be moving it around with a lot more commitment and purpose, with quicker and more direct passing playing us out and creating space. AMB distribution is improving bit by bit, and although he delayed quick outballs a handful of times and frustrated the crowd at least it gave time for players to get shape.
Having witness too many lumped diagonals this season, it’s great to see us working the ball around, we still lack the ball carrier in midfield to turn defenders into attack, and whilst we’re looking good atm with the wing backs, its heavily reliant on players being fit and capable that can play that role, we need to have answers when those players are missing. The central midfield on paper seems an embarrassment of riches but NJ hasn’t found formula to get best of them, Berry positionally wasnt great yesterday much to NJs frustration. Doc seems to be growing into the role with each game, and Coventry is consistent if not inspiring.
Great to hear that your daughter enjoyed it @Thommo and that the club are making such an effort with the youngsters.
Kids have great memories (just don’t get me started on when Peter Shilton - alone amongst the entire Leicester squad - refused to sign our autographs in 1970…)
Thought it was a good game of league 1 football, a bit physical not always pretty and plenty of head tennis but competitive and aggressive. They had midfield for periods of the game but so did we and we carved out more chances and much more clear cut ones.
Don't understand the love in for their keeper. Twice he fumbled to a forward and once dropped it at miles feet who put it straight at the man onnthe line who blocked it.
Word for Mitchell who in this latest setup has had to adapt to the lop-sidedness of the back 5 in thay he is often operating as a RB when that really doesn't play to his strengths.
Small causes lots of problems but I think his problem is trying to do one man too many rather than end product.
Godden would likely have put away one of those chances but the flip side is we wouldn't have created so many without TC's pace and Miles physicality.
Still think there is a lot of work to do on the training pitch regarding attacking patters of play. We're very well drilled defensively but in attack its get it to the fullbacks and hope pace does something or hit it long to Miles and hope something comes of that. Some actual patterns of play could make us more effective.
This season feels to me like the last one under Karl Robinson. Started alright, bit of a slump resurgence under Bowyer to get us in the playoffs but ultimately not enough in the squad to go up. Whether we make the playoffs remains to be seen but last time we were able to build on that squad. We need the likes of Jones and Miles to stay if we want to do the same.
Two things. Firstly, it’s quite fiddly to watch the match highlights on Sky. You seem to have to fast forward through loads of matches to get to the Charlton one, including the previous week’s matches. Or is there a way round that? And the highlights reminded me that TC has really improved his hold up play this season, not something you expect from a winger type at this level.
Yeah couple times when he used his body very well for a small bloke and held off much bigger defenders and shielded the ball.
Something worth noting as well, is Gillesphey. That was his best game I can remember so far imo and he was getting pelters at the game around me, and on LL's thread, he's getting some of the lowest ratings.
On fotmob and whoscored, he was statistically the best player yesterday and comfortably.
I still think we should improve on him if we can, but he's deffo better with Lloyd Jones next to him and in a 3, similar to Mitchell. Mitchell is just a lot more capable physically and one on one.
I know the game is all about opinions, but there are some ridiculous scores in both of those charts. Gillesphey has had two decent games, but Wycombe was better than Saturday & not a chance he should be scoring higher than at least half his team mates. Similarly, Ash really only had one save to make all afternoon (did it really well) & Pereira should have been punished for his spills and dreadful distribution 🤷🏻♂️
Comments
For me we need to sign a minimum of 3 players, Someone quick and can finish up top, an out and out winger and another wing back that can play end to end.
More plusses than minuses I'd say.
And the highlights reminded me that TC has really improved his hold up play this season, not something you expect from a winger type at this level.
Beyond that, It was good to see us pushing and stretching a side with the ball either through switches and overloads to Small for him to go past players or TC spinning in behind time and time again.
Having witness too many lumped diagonals this season, it’s great to see us working the ball around, we still lack the ball carrier in midfield to turn defenders into attack, and whilst we’re looking good atm with the wing backs, its heavily reliant on players being fit and capable that can play that role, we need to have answers when those players are missing. The central midfield on paper seems an embarrassment of riches but NJ hasn’t found formula to get best of them, Berry positionally wasnt great yesterday much to NJs frustration. Doc seems to be growing into the role with each game, and Coventry is consistent if not inspiring.
Other than that, as mentioned, TC and Jones, class. Thought Mitchell also had a standard decent game, and Small did well, made a serious effort, he just lacks a bit in the final third like TC.
Overrall, happy with the point, just a shame we are fighting an uphill battle and done so shit a few games ago.
Draws are never exciting, but I'm trying to stay consistent in uploading this season. As usual, cheers for anyone who tunes in.
On fotmob and whoscored, he was statistically the best player yesterday and comfortably.
I still think we should improve on him if we can, but he's deffo better with Lloyd Jones next to him and in a 3, similar to Mitchell. Mitchell is just a lot more capable physically and one on one.
Don't understand the love in for their keeper. Twice he fumbled to a forward and once dropped it at miles feet who put it straight at the man onnthe line who blocked it.
Word for Mitchell who in this latest setup has had to adapt to the lop-sidedness of the back 5 in thay he is often operating as a RB when that really doesn't play to his strengths.
Small causes lots of problems but I think his problem is trying to do one man too many rather than end product.
Godden would likely have put away one of those chances but the flip side is we wouldn't have created so many without TC's pace and Miles physicality.
Still think there is a lot of work to do on the training pitch regarding attacking patters of play. We're very well drilled defensively but in attack its get it to the fullbacks and hope pace does something or hit it long to Miles and hope something comes of that. Some actual patterns of play could make us more effective.
This season feels to me like the last one under Karl Robinson. Started alright, bit of a slump resurgence under Bowyer to get us in the playoffs but ultimately not enough in the squad to go up. Whether we make the playoffs remains to be seen but last time we were able to build on that squad. We need the likes of Jones and Miles to stay if we want to do the same.