Leicester City 0 Charlton Athletic 2
It feels good doesn’t it.
An absolutely vital win on the road at Leicester today, and brilliant for those 2,500 Addicks that went up there. They deserved that and it was great to see the scenes at the end.
Jones made four changes. Coady was sat in front of the three centre-backs including a returning Bell, and Coady gave us an extra layer of solidity, discipline and shape.
I thought both Clarke and Chambers were excellent and I was pleased to see Docherty’s return, I do appreciate him. We’ve missed the Scot’s energy and drive in our recent dark days.
Up top Carey showed up when it mattered again, I thought Leaburn had a very good first half before going off injured, and Dykes was again a handful and scored with a top-class finish.
Leicester are in a mess, but they have some brilliant individuals in their team. The sending off was pivotal but even before then we started the game well.
Whether Leaburn would have run almost half the pitch and scored, we’ll never know but their defender had to go, and with Addicks in full voice we asserted ourselves on the game and scored a perfectly good goal when Clarke headed in a great corner from Carey, the referee blew for a foul on their ‘keeper that only he saw. It was a preposterous decision.
However 10 minutes later we were ahead. A lovely cross from Clarke flew over Leaburn’s ahead to Carey who lifted the ball over the defender and swiped the ball in off the post. It was a lovely goal and we were in front
Leicester came back into it after the goal, but in the 10 minutes of added time Chambers saw a chance saved, and then a lovely move involving Docherty, Leaburn and a wonderful cross from Chambers was superbly put in by Dykes for 2-0
At the start of the second half even with 10 men we had to survive a Leicester barrage, who like Sheffield United still have players with enough ability to hurt you. Bell gave the slightest tug on the impressive Fatawu’s shirt in the box and he went down. Penalty to Leiecster at a pivotal time. Ayew, hated it seems by his own fans, hit the outside of the post, and we collectively let out a massive sigh of relief.
Kaminski then saved but fumbled and Bell had to make a decisive block. Time for some subs and change of shape. Coady was replaced by Coventry, TC for Chambers and Fevrier for Carey and we went four at the back.
After that it was more relaxing to watch, and although we could be better keeping the ball, as the half went on we were more and more deserving of the result.
There were many good performances, but I am going to pick on Godden who looked really sharp.
This was a big win, much needed and the unity at the end should give everyone a lift.
🎙️ “I wanted to give the fans something this week, to show that we care about this club. The fans were absolutely magnificent today, and I want to thank them personally. I saw a team today that wanted to win a game, that wanted to defend the box and wanted three points and that is all I can ask for.” – Nathan Jones
⭐️ Luke Chambers
🏟️ 23,529 (est. 2,500 Addicks)
📸
A good team performance and bounce back from last weekend, we haven’t done well in matches against teams with new managers this season so I was wondering pre-kick off whether we’d have another Southampton/Chelsea situation with our opponents having something to prove to a new boss.
I thought all our recent arrivals played well with MotM for me being Lyndon Dykes, he deserved his goal and made a nuisance of himself all match. He’s playing to get on the plane for the World Cup but also for his career and it shows.
It underlines that while the strategy of going for L1 players who can be trained up has some merits that we really need Championship standard players who have that extra bit of nous, physique and quality. We seem to have recruited well this January, I can see why each player was signed and what they bring to the table but they’ll need to settle in.
With three key home matches coming up including the six pointer with Pompey we need this to be the start of something rather than a one off performance against a poor Leicester team who strong rumour has it are facing a points deduction.
Now Coady has finally landed on grass I thought he was excellent giving the back 3 that much needed protection – an ingenious coaching decision from NJ and team 😉 And to top it off a 92.3% pass completion rate …… 👍
Great team performance and some stand out individual ones as well as you mention. Great also to see the unity which hopefully we can carry into these pivotal home games.
To soon to say we’re back as we still haven’t beaten a team of 11 since Oxford but the signs are looking positive.
Enjoy your Sunday all.
Living in Leicester, I was, of course, at the game, seated between my two sons, who are both Leicester fans, in the East Stand surrounded by Leicester fans. It wasn’t easy not to shout and remonstrate as usual but, in fact, it gave me a chance to analyse the game much more clearly than usual.
Although I was not at the end where Clarke scored, I saw clearly that there was no foul and that the goal should have stood! To be honest, though, 0-3 would have been harsh on a young Leicester team that had two fast and tricky wingers who might have caused mayhem if Leicester had had a strong centre forward. Ayew, now 33, has had his day at this level. I do wonder if we would have held on to 3 points if he had scored the penalty and changed the balance of the game. But he didn’t and our defenders and midfield players did a magnificent job of keeping possession and slowing down the game.
It was wonderful to see Godden back on the pitch. He had two or three chances to score and it is pleasing to think that, with more game time, he should once again be a real threat to defences.
One of my sons and I walked home and, as soon as I got gone, I let it all out. COYR!!!!!
My only immediate worry is that LJ had treatment on the pitch a couple of times for ankle problems but, being the absolute star that he is, he carried on. He will be in real pain today, I imagine. I just hope that Friday isn’t too early for him. In my 65 years plus of following Charlton, he must be one of our best ever signings.
Our next three games are at home. Let’s hope that we can take 5+ points from them.
Great result and three well earned points albeit against ten men and a depleted Leicester side. I agree CA, Chambers had a top game along with Dykes and Carey. I also thought Clarke did well with his marauding runs down the right side. Only one negative for me was too much ‘hoofball’ bypassing our midfield.Other than that a performance to savour. Hopefully we can continue with that against QPR.
I’ve been busy working at my sons’ house for a few days and have hardly had time to track events at Charlton. I arrived back home during the game yesterday.
A much needed three points and revenge for the points Leicester nicked back in August.
Six new players added to the mix, with a couple of departures. The team could well look very different in the coming weeks.
However, we are not out of trouble yet and consistent good performances are still essential.
My dislike of NJ has been well known on this site. That hasn’t changed. I hope he gets us safe this season, as he’s pretty obviously not going to get the sack.
I would still hope a new manager is in place for next season.
I see Russell Martin’s name has been linked to Leicester and us in the Press…..not sure about his track record. I think that would be ‘out of the frying pan’ if Jones was to go.
If Charlton fans have learned anything in recent times it is to be careful what you wish for. Russell Martin is an appalling manager and any talk of change should only be aired when the season is over. All that matters this season is Championship survival although I recognise that it is not easy to watch our ‘style’ of play. It is rank awful, even when playing against even 9 or 10 men.
NJ commented after yesterday’s game that he wanted his team to give the fans a win after last week’s shambolic and lacklustre display. What fans would really like is to see is a gutsy and winning performance against Millwall ! For the players to stand-up and show desire in a ‘derby’ game. Is that too much to ask?
Agree NR, there’s absolutely no way we should bring in someone like Russell Martin as it would just be like for like as he doesn’t accept any advice and look what happened to him! We just need NJ to please listen to some of the good advise from many quarters in the game, who have been there before and are trying to help him, and not be so pig headed and just continue down that same one track road, which all the opposing managers now know our one and only game plan, which is mostly dreadful to watch! Plus that continue style of play, will eventually put new fans off, of coming on a frequent basis &/or buying a season ticket when they can see much better and more entertaining football played elsewhere! I only have to look now at Bromley down the road from me, they might be two divsions lower, but looks like being only one or maybe even in the same league next year, as their current brand of exciting and entertaining football, puts our style of play to shame.
Anyway a much needed win which hopefully will spur things on, but lets not get over excited as some on here are, with NJ back now as the Messiah! The real proof will start to be seen how we fair in the next three games at home, as out of the last 15 games played, we have actually only won three! Which includes those last two wins, which were both against 9 and 10 players, and lest be honest, against Sheffield Utd we would have struggled against 10 players and almost certainly lost against 11. I also wonder what would have happened if Leceister had scored that penalty?
So lets hope we can put on real promising, in their half display against QPR Friday and come away with a decent well earned win.
I don’t particularly warm to NJ myself, and wasn’t keen on the emphasis put on his faith in getting us through the playoffs. I’d be a bit pissed off if I was a player.
That said, if he keeps us up I’m not sure it’s important. If so, you’d hope there would be some investment in the squad. Then with an improved squad his high tempo pressing style could be quite effective.
It’s the piling in that happens each time we have a bad run I understand least. The negativity created then seeps in, and the players are then looking to perform under an added burden.
Great win yesterday, the new signings contributed and it felt positive. Let’s hope it continues!
Well that was a suprise and typical Charlton at present…totally unpredictable !! Credit must go to all who played and we showed determination,tactical awareness,grit and a a real desire to win.
Cody had a great game and stabilised our defence and what a difference a few days can make….maybe the tea lady put more tea bags into the tea pot at breakfast !!!!
Well done to the fans who outsung Leicester fans all game.
COYRs
Sorry should be Coady
Well what a relief finally 3 points it was needed andwell deserved all the players gave it their all Godden looked a menace when he came on ML looked better in the first half dont know the extent of his injury yet hopefully it won’t be too bad Coady Clarke Chambers all looked really good as for Dykes motm for me. Daggs this one is for you I usually agree with your views about NJ I m not a huge fan as you may know but IF and this is a big IF if we went on a run like last year at this time and we finish say 10th wouldn’t it be best to keep NJ for next season after all this is a results game one aim this season and hopefully come back stronger next year. Have a good Sunday everybody COYR
You won’t be surprised to hear, Xmas/New year last season, I was calling for NJ’s head. And as you point out, we then went on an amazing run to the play-offs.
At that point I genuinely questioned myself. Perhaps it’s me that’s calling it wrong. Perhaps NJ does know what he’s doing.
But here we are again, struggling, albeit in a higher division. Look back at the anti-football tripe that NJ has served up, which wasn’t even eeking out wins.
If he takes us on a repeat of last season and we finish in the top half of the bottom 12 teams, it will be a welcome miracle.
My opinion of him as a man won’t change. But I’ll shut up about getting rid of him. That’s a promise.
Definitely don’t shut up Daggs your views count for a lot on here i wasn’t having a pop i was just merely pointing out if we stay up surely that’s all us addicks wanted and it would be more plausible to keep jim rather than upsetting the applecart and getting the likes of luzon slade or Robinson back they were frightful peace ✌️
Sorry him not jim I dont even know a jim
As a fan you go through a pile of emotions and this week emotions were high after the terrible loss against Millwall. All these things were amplified with it being transfer season and online fans split on players, manager and club owners. So Saturday’s game was HUGE in a number of different ways. I was at Leicester the night before and heard about the ownership, management and general dissatisfaction of the club’s directions, all confirming as fans we just care about our clubs in a way that others don’t understand. The real reality is that they are deep trouble, a points deduction is pending and their PL parachute money can only keep their high earners there for awhile, the decision to offload could be sooner rather than later. So arriving at their stadium the mood of our fans was upbeat, no real talk of dissatisfaction about the manager just wanted an improved performance. The team line up surprised some and looked like defensive surety was being sought. The welcome return of Bell on the left side added more confidence. Coady as defensive CM was tactical call from NJ. We started with purpose and we looked to hit the front guys early and turn their defence. Leaburn was having a good game and got their red card. Optimism rose amongst us and duly celebrated with that ‘first’ goal , to be wrongly chalked off. Would that decision be crucial.. fears were extinguished by a good goal, Carey looking like he is returning to his earlier form notching his 7th of the season. Dykes was being a nuisance and Docherty was being impactful in the midfield. Coady was barking orders from the very start. Chambers was playing well , nullifying his man. Leicester have some gifted players especially on both wings. The second was a good goal as the build up was good, the cross was quality and the finish was technically very good, control with a soft touch back across the keeper is a quality finish. The fans were singing and cheering for the manager. The players were fighting for and playing his tactics.
The second half , Leicester threw everything at us clearly motivated by their newest manager. We started to sit deeper, and conceded possession. I think it was a soft penalty as contact was minimal but our fans cheers were multiplied as the ex-palace forward Ayew missed. Eventually we got more control, as NJ changed the personnel and formation. We saw the game out.. Godden was looking hungry to get on the score sheet . The fans were singing and bouncing 🤣, NJ and his team were applauded and the emotional memories of last Saturday were being extinguished. I saw no evidence of the players not playing for the manager, they looked unified in getting a result. Fans were singing NJ name throughout the game. Of course things can change if results go against us, and no doubt there will be tougher games to come.
I am slightly puzzled my NJ postgame interview when he says they got want they need. Only last week he said a midfielder was needed. I still think we need a central midfielder ( no 8) who can add some strength and pass the ball to link up play. The left side looks better with Bell and Chambers, but some additional cover is required, unless he sees fevier covering that position. I like Clarke , he is getting better, Chambers looks a good footballer, Dykes and Coady added that experience. Fevier.. will need to assess more, looked a little indifferent on the right side, had more impact on the left. TC I thought would have more impact coming off the bench. 3 pts was the objective and that was achieved.
A little gap has appeared, but we are not over the line yet. Big games are coming with Portsmouth and WBA. Hopefully we go to Friday night with some confidence and some more additions. COYR !
My son and I took a pleasant trip down to Leicester and witness a surprise but great performance from Charlton, a well needed 3 points hats off to all the players and again well supported coyr
Thanks CA for another accurate analysis.
After last week’s debacle against Millwall, I said unless we get a left sided centre back we are doomed. I flew home from Uganda on Friday evening happy to discover that Coady was signed and able to play that position (though he did a great job in front of the defence and what a leader, continually encouraging and organising those around him).
To my pleasant surprise Bell was fit to play and if you read my comments about his presence in defence last week and our stats with and without him playing, then the win was less a surprise than you might think. I gladly accepted Corals 7/2 for the away win.
I must admit I was not delighted to see Leaburn and Dykes paired together up front, but both contributed greatly with the sending off and a well taken goal. In fact both goals were well taken with Carey providing another fine finish. Hopefully Godden is now ready to start and would work well alongside Dykes I reckon.
As mentioned by others, the disallowed goal was an appalling decision seemingly given by the linesman.
Barring any more injuries, I see no reason why we can’t pick up at least 5 points from the next three home games, QPR, Stoke and Portsmouth.
And just to add, if Leicester do receive their possible points deduction, then I think they are in serious peril of relegation.
Was happy like most of us but really can’t believe some fans have been anti NJ suppose it’s normal in this country been living abroad 40 years only been back few months wasn’t by choice been fan 60 year’s only thing l like nothing has changed here apart from the mentality which is sad but anyway first autograph was Paul Went come on you reds
Also hello to you lot used to go home and away for many years know club inside out left country in mid eighties come from Beckenham look forward to knowing you guys in the future
Welcome yefricie. 1964 was my first season as a Charlton supporter. I was eleven and just moved to Charlton from Greenwich. I know Beckenham very well, as spent most of the 70’s & 80’s working for Burroughs Wellcome there.
Great result on Saturday. I feel somewhat vindicated in my previous defence of NJ on here. Now is not the time to turn on the manager but actually quite the opposite, our support will be key to get us to enough points to survive. The latest signings all played their part and great work from Leaburn too.