Charlton Athletic 1 Swansea City 2
This is a tough bloody week for the Addicks, and I’ll think we’ll welcome the international break much more than we did last time when it broke our stride.
No need for silly over-reaction’s to last night’s defeat. Swansea have lost just once this season, and are unbeaten on the road and have a steely defensive with pace up front that will give them every chance of promotion come May.
Yet, we matched them in many ways yesterday, the only difference that the Swans were better in possession, neater and more protective of the ball, as we turned it over too many times. Our young, and still new team will get better at that for sure.
It was a dream start when Jonathan Leko scored after 65 seconds. For the next quarter of an hour we carried the upper hand with the Valley rocking, but with André Ayew, who has 84 caps for Ghana, looking dangerous, a deflected Yan Dhanda brought Swansea level.
The rest of the half was pretty even with few chances at either end.
In the 2nd half Kosovan international Celina was a constant pacy threat, and in the 65th minute Ayew stabbed home from a Grimes’ corner, the Addicks conceding from another set piece.
Bow threw Aneke and Williams on as we went in search of a deserved point. Forster-Caskey also made a rare appearance in place of an injury-carrying Purrington in an attacking move. Aneke had a penalty shout, Bonne had half a chance and a Pearce header caused a melee before the referee ended the game.
Addicks at The Valley: Doctor Kish;
Bow: “We played against a good Swansea side. They move the ball well, we limited them and were just as good as them but from the set piece we didn’t win the first contact, then we didn’t win the second contact and it’s cost us.”
Elsewhere: It was a full week in The Championship. Swansea topped Leeds who bounced back to beat West Brom Tuesday night. Huddersfield won late at Stoke to put Nathan Jones job in total jeopardy. The big weekly winners were Cardiff who put three past QPR and Fulham who won 4-1 at Reading. There were lots of draws though. Boro and Preston was 1-1 as was Luton and Millwall, Brentford and Bristol City and Blackburn and Forest. Barnsley clawed a point from Derby, whilst Wigan beat Birmingham 1-0 as did Hull at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
Photo: @K_AndrewsPhotos
Chicago Addick 
Oztumer and Williams are ineffective in the no.10 role. With Leko and Bonne lacking experience somebody at no.10 who can nick the odd goal is required, Gallagher might be the answer. This could mean changing to three at the back with three in midfield supported by wingbacks .
Cullen,Gallagher and Williams would be my midfielders.
Rierti – what are thoughts on Oztumer thus far. And where should we play him ?
Frankly not impressed so far, he made little impact at Bolton, so may not be suitable for Championship. I find it annoying that he is above Morgan in the pecking order. Bowyer failed to get a suitable loan for Morgan so he should be restored to the first team squad. He probably played less games last season than Williams but created more chances.The criticism on the defensive side of his game is justified but are Oztumer and Williams any better,not for me. Morgan is now getting older and hopefully stronger so should be cover for Williams who rarely plays 90 minutes. Maybe Kayal will surprise if they ever get him fit. Hemed picked up another injury so his fitness training has been limited.
Morgan definitely deserves a place on the bench in these Sat-Wed-Sat weeks. Hopefully Bow, Jacko and Basey are managing him well.
CAFC played Swansea in U23 cup on Friday afternoon and although we lost 2-1 there were some very promising performances. Davison a CF who has been on trial played very well and I understand he has now been signed. He is a very competitive and high energy player and I think he will do well. Clayden a winger who joined us from Leyton Orient also looks promising. .Morgan played very well albeit in the defensive midfield role which Bowyer prefers for him.
Where did Davison come from?
I was told he was from Enfield Town and info on the internet for JOSH DAVISON seems to confirm, He turned 19 a couple of weeks ago and I think he has been on trial since preseason. I have seen him 3 or 4 times and with the right coaching and encouragement could be a real find for the future.