Charlton Athletic 0 Sunderland 0

I would have taken a point before the game, but that was a abominable match and unfortunately we more than played our part in it.

It was a strange line-up and formation at kick-off even given Bowyer’s lack of options. He changed the formation numerous times during the game, but apart from a ten minute spell when Chuks Aneke came on there was nothing to get the pulse remotely racing.

In that spell Sunderland went down to ten men and Marcus Maddison gave us the only piece of quality all game with a lovely deep in-swinging free-kick that Aneke headed back across goal, but the chance was cleared.

Sunderland, also a shadow of their previous self, did at least make a copious number of chances, most of which in the first half, all of them wasted although Ben Amos made two very good saves.

We looked disjointed, and lacking in any identity or attacking threat. We were sloppy and some our passing was abysmal. I reckon Man Utd’s U23 pitch must be twice as big as The Valley because Dylan Levitt kicked almost every pass out of play.

Famewo looked decent but there really weren’t many positives, but in saying that we now have two weeks to stand by and watch Gallen and Bowyer build a squad so we can kick start our season.

It’s not just about players though, I think the team have lacked a vision since lockdown. Character cannot be bought, but let us hope that in Bowyer’s big melting pot he finds players, a style of play and an identity.

Bow’s thoughts: “Our delivery from set-pieces was poor today as well. There’s a lot of things I wasn’t really happy with but to take a point from a strong Sunderland side, I can’t really grumble too much. I’m happy, but I’m not happy.“
Photo credit: @K_AndrewsPhotos