Herr Rosler
No hair Rosler
What a silly sausage ! Uwe's behaviour was of the wurst kind !
What a good day ! Over a few pre-match beers we were full of hope and anticipation. I felt we might get a draw but ANEM colleague Clive was optimistic of a win having witnessed Tuesday's performance.
I was impressed with things both on and off the field. There were several new offerings of food and drink inside and outside the stadium although it was good to see the traditional burger stalls outside still. I felt obliged to try a Wye Valley beer from the Beer Shack and it was quite pleasant.
The stadium and the pitch in particular looked great. I like the addition of the placards of Valley Legends too, a nice touch.
In the east stand it was interesting to note that blocks A & B were somewhat sparsely populated, In contrast the central blocks seemed fuller, perhaps all those with the complimentary tickets decided to sit there.
The game itself saw us take an early lead as both sides looked to play passing football. Cousins scored a wonderful goal following a lovely cross-field pass from Gudmundsson I think. Jordan cut inside and followed up with a lovely shot that curled just inside the far post. Carson, who received a warm welcome from the home fans, was not going to stop that !
Wigan levelled a few minutes later when the excellent McManaman turned Wiggins inside out and fired home into the far corner.
The rest of the half was fairly even as the Addicks stuck to the game plan playing nice, neat, passing football. The second was much the same save for the late 10 minutes or so where we created at least three good chances. Fortunately, we managed to take one of them albeit via a deflection that made up for the one we suffered at Griffin Park.
I felt we deserved the win. Prior to going off with an injury that we hope will not be too serious, Henderson didn't have a save to make and Pope was similarly untroubled whilst on the pitch.
I was impressed with the new players who pretty much all had good games. The fact fact that there is real competition for places can only be good and allows Bob a degree of confidence in knowing that replacements, if needed, can do a job.
A shame that Rosler had a hissy-fit at the end. This from the man who displayed similar childish behaviour in October 2011 against Notts County when he deliberately block a County player form taking a free kick. He was subsequently sent off.
I'm not sure how close Bob got to the man whose forefathers invaded slightly more than technical areas but he does seem to he reacted badly opting to use some nasty language that us Addicks fans would never let pass our lips !
Got to love the enthusiasm and passion from Big Bob and the way he has us playing. Let's enjoy this win and look forward to another stern test on Tuesday when Derby come a calling. I rate McLaren as a coach, he's one of the best and it will be tough. However, the players rightly seem to be relishing the challenge at the moment and it should be good.
I thought our two most impressive players were Bikey and Ben Haim. A pleasant surprise. So calm and authoritative. The main reason I think we'll probably be considerably better than last season. I also liked Moussa when he finally came on. Vetikele seemed to improve after that happened. Less impressed than I'd hoped by Gunmundsenn and Buyens, but that could just be my ignorance. Perhaps irrationally, I was pleased when Pope had a chance to come on. What positive, confident handling. We definitely got stronger as the game went on, though today's comments from Seeler suggest Wigan started to flag. Disappointed in the attendance. Fans still upset about Chis Powell?
ReplyDeleteAnon, agree that Bikey and Ben Haim looked impressive and the defence appears solid with them there. Moussa had a good cameo and Vetokele played well and singlehandedly fashioned the one on one chance at the end. Gudmundsson had a seemingly quiet game although I thought Buyens was excellent. He displayed a good range of passing and was always available to get the ball, Pope was confident as you say and strong too especailly when wiping out two Wigan players ! I think the attendance was affected by it still being the holiday season. I think the crowds will increase as the progresses especially if we maintain results and performances like Saturday's.
ReplyDeleteJust read Rosler's comments about Wigan being the better side, having "complete control" of the ball in midfield and deserving "even more than a draw". Not sure I remember Henderson or Pope making a save of note during the 90 minutes so I think Rosler's view might be a little wide of the mark. Granted there wasn't much between the sides until the final 10 minutes, but our late attacking charge deservedly earned us the points. Also, apparently we scored "two deflected goals".. His eyes must be good to spot a 'deflection' on Jordan Cousins' strike!
ReplyDeleteAgree with the above; Bikey and Ben Haim looked solid at the back and I was impressed with Buyens. I thought our shape was better with Moussa playing in the hole and Vetokele (though he should've buried the one-on-one) is a real handful. Derby on Tuesday will be another tough ask but I'm suddenly awash with confidence!
Anon, the stats don't back up Rolser's view and only serve to confirm ours. Uwe is a budding Wenger with his view of the game and the goals in particular ! It would be interesting to see the final formation over a longer period of time. At least it shows we have options and the use of the subs ( Pope aside ) was positive.
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