After the euphoria of Saturdays win, came the anti-climax. But how much of an anti-climax really was this? Two points dropped, unquestionably but a disaster? Perhaps not quite.
A surprise once again as Jim Magilton maintained an entirely unchanged side, save for the suspended David Norris being replaced by Jon Stead, with Walters returning to the right-midfield position.
Town dominated posession once again, yet another vindication for the familiarity bred by continuation in the starting line-up. Owen Garvan enjoyed another assurred performance, capped by an extremely fortuitous goal which, nonetheless, adds to an impressive tally so far this season.
Veliche Shumulikoski was once again an impressive performer in the centre of the pitch, providing bite in the tackle whilst showing good vision in control of the ball. His position in the team appears to look increasingly secure, with Ivan Campo an increasingly peripheral figure.
Alan Quinn provided much of the thurst of the attacking play in the early periods of the game before fading somewhat. Equally so, Jon Walters, who struggled to find a way into the game, something which perhaps was a big factor in Towns inability to eventually win the game. The players looked towards Walters aerial threat to try and find a way in behind the Charlton defence, but full back Youga was his match. Walters has generally struggled to find his form of last season, something which has been mirrored in the side generally.
Kevin Lisbie continually looked to make runs up front, but continually the midfield were unable to feed him. There remains a concern that the players are just unable to get the best from Lisbie, and he likewise. He continually drifted ever deeper in a presumed effort simply to get more of the ball. After his recent bout of confidence, it looks to be swiftly dropping again.
Jon Stead had a poor game, perhaps indicating that he also is in a rut of form since his initial confidence and goals. Simply, things did not run for Stead, despite his continued high workrate. Worryingly, the same could be said for his replacement, Pablo Counago who, for all his good work in and around the box, was particularly profligate, not least from the penalty spot.
In defence, Richard Naylor wobbled through the game, as is starting to become a familiar story, whilst Gareth McAuley appears to grow in stature, as is equally becoming a familiar story. David Wright continues to impress at left-back, yet continually his lack of confidence on his left foot when coming forward stymies the sides attacking play. Moritz Volz was assurred as always, with a couple of late tackles saving the side from a very undeserved defeat.
Richard Wright had nothing to do except pick the ball out of the net, which neatly summarises the performance of the defence; competent until the end, but not quite the very end.
A game which should have been won comfortably, with Town thoroughly in charge of the posession and bossing the game. Chances came and went, but the lack of confidence amongst Towns forwards perhaps cost them the result. Having said that, most of the chances created were half-chances, which itself indicates that for all the posession, the midfield werent able to create enough clear cut chances.
A game which nearly encompasses where Town stand right now- good in posession, increasingly confident, controlling matches. A failure to take enough of the chances created to truly kill the game- and a defence that can be relied upon to let the odd goal in when that is the case.
No comments:
Post a Comment