e-Football Review: Charlton Athletic vs. Colchester United

Article by e-Charlton Athletic's Luke Goldsmith

Listen to the latest e-Football Podcast previewing the new season here!

New season, new manager, new players, new pitch; all change at the Valley, and thankfully a change in League Cup performances. This cup competition has not provided much joy to Charlton fans over the past few seasons, given abject performances to inferior quality lower league opposition. Tuesday night, however, saw much intent and endeavour; particularly promising given Bob Peeters programme notes cited the upcoming Wigan and Derby matches as the priority. Changes to the starting line-up were anticipated, and as predicted six changes were made, with a first Charlton start given to 17 year old Joe Gomez:

From start to finish Charlton were in complete control of this cup tie. It was evident that much of the fluid, one-touch passing style instilled by José Riga last year is being retained, and improved upon by Peeters. Charlton were immediately having success on the right-hand side; Wilson proving himself lively, creative and constant threat to Colchester’s left back Sean Clohessy. Despite dominating possession and making significant in-roads out wide in the opening 15 minutes, clear-cut chances were hard to come by. This was not helped by Charlton’s forwards who, on two separate occasions, after good work by Wilson and Fox on the flanks, found no Charlton forward to receive the cross; this is where one would expect Țucudean to be. His work rate was high, but unfortunately it was somewhat aimless and again highlights Charlton’s lack of forward options. On 24 minutes, the strong Colchester resistance finally collapsed and with it, the game as a contest was over.

After yet another Wilson foray down the right hand side, his low cross was only partially cleared to the feet of Franck Moussa who’s shot, though a melee of players, hit the arm of Colchester’s Magnus Okuonghae. Although there were no vociferous complaints from Charlton, referee Charles Breakspear pointed to the spot and sent Okuonghae from the playing field (somewhat harshly) for deliberate hand ball. Yoni Buyens cheeky, chip penalty completed the formalities and the game became very one sided. The remaining twenty minutes continued in the same vain until half-time, but after the break the one-sided game became a route.

Charlton’s lack of forward options made little difference as the midfield quartet (ably supported by Gomez and Fox) dominated possession and created numerous chances. On 54 minutes, Cousins perfectly weighted header played Wilson through, cutting in from the right hand side, he finished in exemplary fashion. Five minutes later Wilson added to his total when he finished from a similar position, after again tormenting Colchester from the wing. With the contest over, Peeters introduced Vetokele, Church and Gudmundsson, with the latter looking very potent (we’ll ignore one of his comically wayward shots). In fact it was Gudmundsson initial shot, spilled by U’s keeper Lewington, which set Church up for his finish.

Click here!

 

This was an incredibly assured performance from Charlton. Pleasing from two perspectives. Firstly, to be able to play an entirely different team, in particular defence, and put in such a dominant display speaks volumes for Charlton’s squad (even if Charlton are short of striking options). Secondly, the playing style was vastly different to that of the Brentford match. In our first game of the season, Peeters, quite rightly, opted for a counter attacking style. Against Colchester, midfield dominance and possession was the order of the day. If Charlton have the ability to switch styles so comfortably, and this will be confirmed as the season progresses, it will allow us to compete strongly against a variety of opponents. As for players, Lawrie Wilson (who looks suspiciously like Robert Shaw from Jaws) was outstanding. Hugely underrated outside of the Valley, I hope this performance is one of many we see this season. Joe Gomez impressed on debut. Comfortable on the ball, good range of passing and incredibly athletic, he performed admirably at right back (even though he is naturally a centre back) offering attacking options along with defensive security. Bikey was strong and well positioned throughout and Jordan Cousins put in another impressive display. It was a clinical performance by Charlton, against a Colchester team who struggled after the dismissal of Okuonghae. One victory does not make a season, and striking options are still thin – that said there’s plenty to smile about.

© e-Football 2014 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Football