We can forgive Jones for the exaggeration, but I doubt many Addicks would agree with him that against Orient we were “excellent start to finish”. In some aspects of the game, as against Wigan, we were indeed bloody good, very encouragingly so. We know and appreciate that the focus on clean sheets and working hard when out of possession doesn’t sit easily with free-flowing attacking football. As long as we’re winning/not losing there will be no (or few) complaints. But within these parameters looking at areas where there is room for improvement is not being negative, I’ve no doubt that Jones and his staff are doing the same.
First, our set pieces were lousy. Everyone identified before the season began our need to score a decent number from them and we now have Mitchell, Jones, Gillesphey and Ahadme to utilise. But on Saturday we wasted a succession of corners (didn’t clear first man, one put behind for a goal kick, one easy for the keeper) and gave no impression that we had worked on training ground routines to improve our returns in this area. Yes, Jones did score at Wigan but that was from a corner cleared and the ball put back into the mix, which their defender made a pigs ear of. Welcome, but not exactly what we had in mind.
Coventry has made a good start to the season, we need him to continue in that vein. But his corners were poor (as was Small’s one). We had nine corners against Orient, six against Wigan. That’s 15 and really no return. I don’t know why the delivery has been poor, but either Coventry improves in this area or someone else takes them. And a bit of invention to (hopefully) confuse defenders would be welcome.
Up front Jones’ plans have been affected by Godden’s injury, hopefully now over. We are not, currently, blessed with many options up front, as Ahadme/Aneke effectively amount to one player (perhaps in some game Chuks will come on to partner Ahadme, which in particular circumstances could bully teams into submission, but that’s not happened so far), leaving Campbell and Godden as the partner options and Kanu available (and Leaburn not). So far we haven’t had to chase a game, or try to break down a massed defence, but right now we don’t have real options, just replacements – which is not to say Campbell, Godden and Kanu are similar, they each have different attributes, but they are all competing for the same spot and two of them are still learning the art.
What do we know about Ahadme? Strong, will do a good job of holding the ball with his back to goal, and a threat in the air in the box if given the service, as demonstrated by his effort late in the first half, which would have gone in had he not bounced up for their keeper. What do we know about Campbell? Always going to be a danger with the ball at his feet and running at players or between the lines. No sign yet that he knows how to feed off Ahadme or read situations inside the box to poach goals, while his natural inclination is still to move wide when looking for space, which tends to separate him from Ahadme. Godden we expect to provide those abilities.
So some simple rules to follow perhaps. If you’re looking to send it long aim it at Ahadme. He will expect it and then it’s up to Campbell to get closer to him, to take a chance on him winning the ball or to anticipate a second ball. It’s primarily up to the wing-backs to deliver good crosses for Ahadme to feed off, but if it’s a fast break he will probably struggle to get there in time. For Campbell it’s either to feet or between the lines, but here too if he gets on the end of such a ball others are going to be hard-pressed to get to him to support quickly enough. He will probably have to do it on his own. Godden may find space but unless inside the box will most likely look to hold it up, so the midfielders need to support him.
Our goal on Saturday from open play wasn’t the result of a fast, incisive break, but was reward for pressure and the willingness of midfielders to get forward in support. The ball forward was mundane, but Aneke ensured that it stayed in the danger area. Coventry read the situation and made the second key intervention, then Berry added the third by moving on to the ball and getting his shot away.
So what might this all say about forward combinations? For sure Ahadme and Campbell is not a match made in heaven and for me doesn’t get the best out of either. Ahadme and Godden look better suited, or if not why not have Campbell and Kanu together? They I think could work well together, although we would have to forget about the long ball in the air. I’d keep Ahadme and Aneke as a possible pairing if we are losing. Campbell coming on against a tiring defence might work well, as long as it’s not a massed defence. Hopefully Leaburn is not too far off being available, although clearly he will need to be nursed back. Then we would have more options.
This all assumes that nobody new comes in. We know that players have to leave before that’s possible; we’re also pretty sure that if bids come in Ness, Fraser and Taylor, perhaps Edun (although Edwards’ injury adds uncertainty on that front), would be allowed to go, possibly Asiimwe and/or Mitchell(Z) also on loan. Presumably Potts is still an option to bolster the defence, while hopefully a work permit enables Dixon to be brought into the squad for consideration.
I’m guessing but would imagine that Jones would be very happy if Ness and Asiimwe are sold or loaned (I’d much prefer the latter for both), possibly Mitchell(Z) too, and Potts is brought in (plus I’d expect that elusive ‘No.1’, even though Mannion has done nothing wrong as yet). That could see him replace or compete with Gillesphey, with one of them plus Edmonds-Green the back-ups. If Edwards is sidelined for a while presumably Edun stays (or goes and is replaced) in support of Small, with Ramsay and Watson competing on the other flank. We had no central defender on the bench on Saturday, I’m not sure why.
Similarly if Fraser and Taylor can find other clubs that would facilitate new signings. Fraser is still a good player and if he leaves it will be with some regret that we didn’t get the best out of him regularly enough. Taylor may well be too, just haven’t seen enough of him to form any sort of opinion. But if they are both out of the picture we only have Anderson competing with Berry for the third midfield spot. If they stay surely we have to make use of them as injuries and suspensions will take their toll.
As for being taken over by Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdullah, seems the rumours are quickly being quashed. It isn’t something that I’d want for our club, irrespective of the financial implications (including the possibility of the club buying back The Valley). But with no insight and no knowledge of the individuals concerned I’d assume any concrete interest would not be dismissed out of hand by our current ownership consortium. The club was packed up for them as an investment opportunity, not a lifetime commitment. If they can be provided with a decent return right now rather than the uncertain prospect of better in the future I’d expect them to at least stop and think about it.
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