Holmes_and_Watson

Data

Having any kind of centre forward would have improved our squad, as would an all round better goalkeeper. But both would have had to have wanted to be here, which I'm not sure is the case for either of them. Since the tactics would have had them running through treacle anyway, it would be a no.

Agreed. In his early appearances, it was clear he wasn't an out and out defensive midfielder. He could do the basics, but wasn't at the stage of controlling a game. Later, when he appeared, he did fine in a game where he had a bit more space, and tidily passed it about. It was another game with lots of space for him against Charlton, which suits him. As you say, he'll face tougher tests and time will tell.

Battlefield

Autos 🙂 But really this. And not necessarily that he must win every game. SR recruitment is to blame for a lot of our issues. If Tonda can show he has a plan, that allows the players to create, even in difficult circumstances, that would go a long way.

With Stephens, you have someone who is versatile (if limited). He was picking up space when other CBs moved, such as THB supporting Fellows. In the second half, with the pace dropped, he moved more directly into midfield runs, with Bragg and Jander supporting. He was shouting at least a few times too. You can see him trying to do lots of good things, although the execution is a bit uncertain at times. We passed through Charlton's press right from the start. By the time the goals went in, they were already unsure of it, and it failed completely. For games like that Baz is excellent, and has been key. Range of passing out from the back? Good distribution? Unflappable? All ticks to his game. Sadly, it's the other games, with different skills needed that's the problem. Tonda set us up really well to give AA a lot of freedom, giving the others the responsibility to support or feed off him. Like you say, he gave the players the responsibility to show their sense. He's also aware that Leicester are going to offer different challenges. As others have pointed out, we still have the same weaknesses. Tonda just has to keep working at minimising those, and develop winning ways despite them. And against different set ups. Not the easiest of tasks.

I am not a lower order M'lord! Oh darn again... 🙂

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Well, I just tried all that, and I can tell you exactly what life threw up. 🙂 Not that I'm exactly living a healthy diet, but completely agree with the points. My folks didn't like the idea of fast food. I credit my childhood diet for setting me up to be healthier (touch wooden head) now. I've even switched breads for those that fall as far away from UPF as possible. That's made a nice difference.

Not much to add from the first half, so just copied that below. 🙂 As the excellent Charlton co-tator said, one side didn't want to concede even more and the other were happy with the day's work. Charlton's subs were ahead of Tuesday, and ours were sensible like for like changes, probably with the same in mind. In summary, Nathan's front footed, aggressiveness was his undoing. We easily played around their press. The work and intelligence of AA and creativity of Scienza gave us lots of space and dismantled them. It would have been nice to see more intensity to see more from the subs. But,mas a team, there wasn't much need. Before the pace dropped, we got to see more of attacking Fellows, who had a good game. Stephens was also moving into midfield, to give some direction at times. That was along with Jander and Bragg having dropped back as the tempo waned. Downes did fine when he came on, mopping up any problems. Downs continued to not be a target man. He might do better with balls into plenty of space over the top. But he still struggles physically with defenders. Robinson had a few solo runs. Some against ex-Saint Ramsey, fresh from a torrid half up against AA. Cracking result. But to temper that just a little, Charlton played right into our tactics. Tonda's 100% record remains.

Shout out to the ex-Charlton player on co-tator duty. Good tactical insights from kick off, followed by perspective and analysis as it went on.

Wow! We just blew them away in the first 25 minutes. The team worked hard for each other, in a system that made use of a lot of their individual strengths. AA put an early header over the bar, from a good position. But that was not the way the rest of our attacks came. AA wasn't pinned looking for scraps. He was using his usual work rate to move into spaces, supporting and disrupting. Others were asked to match that, by using all that space and move between the Charlton defence. Right from the first few minutes our passing ( little nod to RussBall) was pulling Charlton apart. Apart from that AA header, we had this week's Golden Miss going to Azaz, and Manning hitting the side netting. The goals were a just reward for the work. But it's the work, support and anticipation that shone. Credit to Eckhart. AA isn't a target man. So he's given runners to help. Fellows isn't a wing back. Watch how THB supports him a Ross the pitch. Bragg isn't a midfield destroyer. But AA and Jander allow him to have passing options. Bragg took up a number of good spaces (little nod to Smallbone) to connect up the play. After the fourth, it was a different tempo. So we got to see our defence in action. Not surprisingly, we're weaker there with Fellows and Manning. But solid enough in the centre. Only that free header at the end to look at. Even when their forwards pressed Baz, there wasn't any worry. Baz is among the best for that sort of thing. Lovely to enjoy the players rewarded for their effort.

Abbey

Where?!, where?!, where?!....ah heck...darn Emperor caught me out again...🙂

Given that SR are going to insist on 3 at the back, I think we've just found our new manager. DoesxChat GPT have it's coaching badges, or will Tonda just be given the instructions? 🙂