Charlton; so good so far . . . . .

Article by Luke Goldsmith

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With August complete and autumn upon us, this seems like a fair time to assess Charlton’s start to the Championship season. Thus far Charlton have played two League Cup and five league matches with a record that reads:

Won: 3, Drawn: 3, Lost: 1, Scored: 13, Conceded: 8.

Despite the loss to Derby in the League Cup, Charlton are sixth in the Championship and still unbeaten after the draw to Brighton. This is a strong, positive start for Bob Peeter’s squad, a long way from the mediocrity and uneasiness of last term. How have Charlton gone about this initial resurgence? A number of points stand out:

New Signings

It was a summer of upheaval at the Valley. With sixteen players leaving and only eight arriving, it was vital that the new players gelled quickly. This appears to have happened. Goal scoring was a serious concern ahead of this season (as mentioned here), but marquee signing Igor Vetokele has begun his Charlton career in fine form. Five goals in five games is an excellent return, and if his form continues Charlton will have one of the best strikers in the division. In Midfield both Yoni Buyens and Jóhann Guðmundsson have linked up very well with Jordan Cousins and Jonnie Jackson. Guðmundsson’s attacking threat is significant and he is utilising Charlton’s new, wider pitch to great effect. Buyens is proving to be a very adept ‘box-to-box’ midfielder, allowing Charlton to switch defence into attack far more fluently. He also takes a very cool, almost ‘cheeky’ penalty. Defensively, even with a lack of clean sheets, Charlton do seem a lot more comfortable and capable, even under prolonged periods of pressure. Much of this additional security seems to stem André Bikey’s leadership and his new centre back partnership with Tal Ben Haim. Their experience is obvious; they are rarely seen out of position and are happy to play the ball out of defence as opposed to simply clearing their lines.

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New Manager

I was concerned regarding Bob Peeter’s appointment as head coach at the start of the season, I even wrote about it, here. I may have to eat those words! It is only a start, but the former Belgian International is proving to be a very competent coach. He is not afraid to absorb pressure, particularly away from home, has entrusted younger players in big matches but more importantly insists upon fast-flowing, passing football. It has been a pleasure to watch this year, and as a result Charlton are a far more compelling, attacking force. Off the pitch, he has done a fine job ingratiating himself with the Valley faithful. He has a refreshingly honest interview style and is notably passionate by the touchline (although occasionally too passionate, as Uwe Rosler with attest).

Home Form

Of the seven games played this season, only three have been at home. Of these three games there have been three convincing victories. Although the Colchester victory was pleasing on the eye, the victories over Derby and Wigan are of greater significance. Both journalists and ardent Charlton fans were surprised, not only by the victories, but manor in which they were accomplished. With both Wigan and Derby tipped for promotion, beating these sides was a statement of intent and highlights the improvements made over the summer. The improved playing surface is being utilised well, not only in the fluid passing system now adopted under Peeter’s tutelage, but in the exploitation of the additional width now found at the Valley. Home form was a weakness last season; if that is improved this year, Charlton will almost certainly see an improvement in league position.

Seven games do not make a season, but the signs are very promising. They are areas of continued weakness; the zonal marking employed Peeter’s seems questionable and regardless of Vetokele’s heroic efforts so far, we are lacking in quality alternatives upfront. In spite of these weaknesses Charlton fans can at least enjoy the start to this season. With continued improvements and a little luck, they might be looking at more than mid-table.

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