They pressed us with much more pace and energy than we pressed them. They were all over us, particularly first half, whenever we had the ball. They put in more effort. I know people don't like it when that criticism is aimed at our team, but it was painfully evident in the opening 45. By doing so they dispossessed us when we'd committed men forward and they broke with pace and purpose. Surprised Charlton aren't further up the table judging by this performance. Their counter attacking play was excellent and they looked very solid defensively. Beaten by a better side on the day. And, in the first half, a team prepared to work harder.
I thought they were really good. Apart from us, who have been excellent at times, I've been surprised by the lack of quality so far in this division. Maybe caught our players off guard a little in that first half as Charlton were a lot better than any other team they've come up against.
Luton & Plymouth have looked decent imho - teams don't look as physical as I recall, which might suit us better - although at times I think we've played some stuff way above this level - if Woodrow takes on Bradshaw's mantle then that will help us greatly.
Luton and Plymouth both had something, but had weaknesses too. Charlton didn't seem to have any. None that we could exploit anyway. We've been amazing at times this season, much better than I anticipated. Agree with you about the physicality. Our team doesn't seem all that big (well, Potts and Moore are) but as well as being the better side in many games we've also been much stronger. Wasn't expecting that.
Ageee with all that, we were poor but credit where it’s due. The guy who scored their 2 goals was a threat all day. Checked the table half way through the 1st half and was surprise they weren’t higher. Best performance we’ve come up against imo, seemed to set up perfectly against us, v good on the counter attack.
Once again it was demonstrated that if a team gets past our midfield and nullifies our speed and strength in attack then our defence shits itself and is woefully inadequate. The attacking side of our team can only cover up those weaknesses for so long. Two new full backs and at least one new centre back needed at 00:01 on January 1st