Connect Four

The joy of four.

Lee Bowyer's boys made it four wins in a row yesterday with an impressive preformance against a stubborn Plymouth side who somewhat belied their league position.

The Addicks made a positive, fast attacking start to the start with some crisp passing and movement. However, despite the strong start we went behind on 9 minutes as Carey headed home from a cross from the left.

Plymouth didn't hold the lead for long as Grant equalised 3 minutes later as he prodded home after we had a corner.

Charlton went on to dominate the game as is evidenced by all the stats including the number of shots which totalled 23. 

It was frustrating that our dominance didn't result in more goals and an earlier goal. Our front two are scoring regularly but could have even more to their name.

Yesterday there were a few occasions where they were too keen to pass to each other rather than take a shot. I recall that one of them tried to pass to his strike partner when he had 3 defenders in close proximity.

However, I may be being too picky !

Bowyer's managerial career started with last season's home game against the Pilgrims as he took over from Robinson who left for Oxford. In stark contrast to his predecessor,  Bowyer is a calm and reassuring presence on the touchline.

That was certainly the case yesterday as he didn't panic or get anxious at any stage. Not when we went behind and even when the game reached the later stages as we pressed for the winner.

I think most of us would have been considering making subs earlier than 75 minutes. Further to that we would probably have made more than one. 

The manager only brought on Vetokele for Ward at that 75 minute mark. Of course he was proved to be correct in so doing.

Bowyer is very measured and controlled. Some people like to have an animated manager as they believe it shows passion. However, I don't need to see Lee jumping up and down to know he has that. I know he has that from his actions and words.

I wonder who Oxford fans would rather have as their manager ( a rhetorical question if ever their were one ! ).

The imminent return of Fosu certainly seemed to motivate the midfield yesterday with impressive performances from Reeves, Cullen, Aribo and Ward. Indeed, Reeves had one of his best games as his vision and passing were great. Aribo was great and worked incredibly hard and appeared to cover every blade of grass.  

After yesterday it would be harsh on any one of the midfield players if they made way for Fosu even accepting how good he is. 

With only Portsmouth of top teams not winning yesterday ( Barnsley's game was postponed ) we find oursleves in 6th place. The spread of points is close however and a fifth win on the spin ought to see us into the top 4 I'd have thought.

Luton await and it won't be an easy game with Nathan Jones boys doing pretty well following promotion last season. The Hatters have only dropped points against Sunderland at home so it'll be tough.