Leko finds his 'happy place'

The SLP's Louis Mendez gives Blues fans a progress report on Jonathan Leko, arguing that he has found his 'happy place' at Charlton: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/birmingham-city-transfers-leko-charlton-21766022

Charlton back to winning ways

 Charlton won what was effectively a six pointer 2-1 at Fleetwood this afternoon, rewarding the 300 fans who had made the long journey north.   The Addicks remain in the relegation position fourth from bottom, but it gives hope.

Jayden Stockley got Charlton's winner as they ended a run of six games without a victory by beating Fleetwood 2-1.   Jonathan Leko opened the scoring for Charlton with a low drive shortly before the break but Danny Andrew hit a stunning free kick early in the second half.

But Stockley, who had only replaced Josh Davison seven minutes earlier, hit an emphatic winning goal with 20 minutes remaining.

Charlton had deservedly led at the break, having had the better of the chances in the first half, with Charlie Kirk guilty of wasting their best opening by skewing well wide from 12 yards.

Elliot Lee, who had created Kirk's chance, had the favour returned moments later but he lost his footing just as he was shaping to shoot.

Fleetwood's best opening of the half saw Harrison Biggins play Callum Camps in behind the defence, but keeper Craig MacGillivary was out quickly to narrow the angle and save.

In the 51st minute, Biggins was fouled 25 yards out and Andrew found the top corner.

The Addicks should have restored their lead when Lee again found Kirk a few yards from goal but he couldn't make the required connection.

Davison also hit the post from a tight angle as it seemed Charlton's dominance wouldn't transfer into three points.

But Stockley pounced on Leko's pass to slam the winning goal into the roof of the net.

Four takeaways from Louis Mendez in which he says 'don't underestimate the importance of that win': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-much-needed-win-at-fleetwood-town/

It doesn't look better in the cold light of morning

It says something when the highlight of a game is an Addick successfully completing the half time crossbar challenge.

I wasn't happy to see Conor Washington on the bench, even if he had been playing for Northern Ireland.  It would have been better to start with him and withdraw him later.  Elliot Lee is not the same kind of player.

Cheltenham went ahead after six minutes, Blair smashing late into the bottom corner from a tight angle after MacGillivray had saved Perry's initial effort by pushing it out.   On 32 minutes a cross from Blair was tapped in by Perry at close range.

The punt from Famewo from 10 yards in his own half out of play for a goal kick just before half  time summed up Charlton's first half performance.

The Addicks had a chance to get back into the game just after the break, but DJ blasted his effort high and wide with just the keeper to beat.   Jayden Stockley was next to go close but headed over.

Flinders in the Cheltenham goal kept time wasting, but earned no more than a rebuke from the referee.  The referee and the lino on the east did us no favours, seizing Stockley and pushing him down appearing to be acceptable.  However, that is no excuse.

On the hour mark two substitutes combined with Washington setting up Leko to side foot home.  Increasingly desperate efforts failed to produce an equaliser even with six minutes added on.

If we had a plan it is not clear what it was.   We certainly had no shape.   There was a lack of energy and urgency.   We kept losing possession.  The midfield kept disappearing.  Kirk was a great disappointment and was rightly substituted at half time.   Leko made a real difference.  The attack looks unbalanced.

Nigel Adkins said the first half performance was unrecognisable from what he had seen since he had been at the club, 'just 11 individuals all over the place.  We talk about "stop the cross, deal with the cross."  We didn't stop the crosses and we didn't deal with the crosses that came in.'

Predictably some are calling for Adkins to go.   I am never in favour of a rapid turnover of managers.  Our greatest successes have been when we have had a manager in place for a long period (Seed, Lawrence, Curbishley).  It's also a big assumption that there are good managers out there who want to come to Charlton.   Johnnie Jackson would be a big risk.

Kevin Nolan's take on the game is here: https://charltonchampion.co.uk/2021/09/12/kevin-nolans-valley-view-charlton-athletic-1-2-cheltenham-town/

Grounds for hope

One can only judge the level of success in a transfer window when it comes to an end and I think we can be satisfied with the acquisitions made which offer good value for money.

Negativists have been struggling to put together a critique.   Probably their strongest point is that an ideal window would have seen a left back and another striker.

Purrington should be back for Cheltenham and in any case Gunter has now settled into the role.  An injury to Jayden Stockley would be a real problem, but strikers are like gold dust, even at League One level.

I am pleased to see Jonathan Leko back.   As Louis Mendez says, he is quick, unpredictable and can score goals.

The Covered End Choir blog reviews the transfer window here: https://coveredendchoir.com/2021/09/01/deadline-day-shopping-spree-caps-off-a-bumper-summer-of-signings/

Although it's a minor competition, the 6-1 win over Crawley had a number of positives: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/mason-burstow-debut-goal-tops-off-charltons-papa-johns-trophy-thrashing-of-crawley-town/

Bowyer offers glimmer of Yuletide joy

Lee Bowyer has said that Charlton will be allowed to bring in a striker in the January transfer window, regardless of whether the purchase of the club is approved by the EFL. Fans have suggested on social media that we need an additional midfielder and defender as well: Go ahead for striker

Bowyer explained: 'Loans is a bit easier sometimes [to get in earlier] and we’re in contact already with clubs about strikers. Matt is saying to us we have the go ahead to bring in another striker, but he ain’t paying a bill yet – we’ll have to go through Roland [Duchatelet, current owner] as well. Obviously Roland has to okay it but Matt is okay for the long term.'

Beram Kayal has spent most of his loan spell at Charlton in the well patronised Sparrows Lane treatment room and looks set to return to the seaside. Jonathan Leko may also be returned to the Baggies if his injury is serious, which looks to be the case: Goodbye to loan players

Charlton fans have not seen enough of Kayal to make even an ill considered judgment. Leko is evidently a mercurial player with talent that is displayed in bursts. When he is good, he is very good; and when he is bad, he is very bad.

A late goal for Charlton for once

A 95th minute goal by the 'Nabster' Naby Sarr secured a 2-2 draw for Charlton at Queens Park Rangers: Derby draw

Nevertheless many fans have been critical of Sarr on social media, saying that he cost Charlton the first goal.

Louis Mendez has noted that the result has given a boost to the morale of players and fans. Only a point, but it 'feels massive'. However, the winless run continued to eleven games and Charlton slipped to 18th in the table.

On his 20th birthday Alfie Doughty played well and blogger Hungry Ted commented, 'When this injury crisis is finally over, this lad needs to stay involved. Taken his chance and looks a great prospect.'

Lee Bowyer has said that goal scorer Lyle Taylor insisted on staying on for the full 90 minutes which was not the plan. He also clarified the position on the new contract offer which had nothing to do with the potential new owners, East Street Investments: Ninety minute stint

Reading won 3-0 at home to a faltering Derby and went above Charlton. Huddersfield are on the same number of points as the Addicks, but have a worse goal difference.

More injury worries with the mercurial Jonathan Leko seen hobbling around in a knee brace, it looks like a bad knee injury.

Lee Bowyer said that he hoped the result was a sign that Charlton's luck was changing. However, defensively they had to improve and he was critical of Naby Sarr over the first goal. He praised Alfie Doughty. 'I thought he was outstanding,' said the supportive supremo: Hopes late leveller is a sign

Another blow at the death

For the second time in a week, Charlton conceded a 96th minute goal to draw 2-2 with Hull at The Valley tonight. What is with Charlton? Is there a lack of resilience with the players, a tendency to panic in time added on (which always seems longer than for other teams)? It should be pointed out that Dillon Phillips kept Hull at bay with some good saves.

The game got off to a rather slow start, although the Addicks probably had the better of the opening exchanges. The main excitement was a fan in a Mr Blobby outfit.

Then on 36 minutes Gallagher put in a corner to the back post and the 36-year old Pratley scored with a header. On 42 minutes Morgan put the ball past the post from distance.

Louis Mendez commented on the first half: 'Not the free flowing stuff we may have seen earlier in the season but solid and a clear improvement on recent weeks.'

Inevitably Hull equalised just after half time. A low ball came in from the left and a tap in was all that was required of danger man Bowen. But three minutes later Naby Sarr made it 2-1. The move started from the back, Leko put in a cross and Sarr slammed the ball home.

On 67 minutes Morgan was replaced by Oshilaja. On 69 minutes there was great defending from Pratley. On 71 minutes Bonne headed a good Hull corner clear. Three minutes later Phillips made a superb save from Bowen. Taylor came on at the 81 minute mark.

With five minutes added on, Gallagher and Leko used their pace to try and keep the ball in the Hull half. On 93 minutes Phillips made a fine save to keep out a header.

Then the final blow came from Keane Lewis-Potter, the Hull substitute. His header was forced towards goal from a last-ditch free-kick and a gamble to nothing. Dillon Phillips couldn't quite get across to stop this effort and bounces off him and the inside of the post for the equaliser.

Lee Bowywr was 'devastated' in his post match interview with Louis Mendez and resorted to a number of 'flippings'. The equaliser came in time added on to time added on. The interview with Louis Mendez can be read here: Devastated

Attendance was 14,447 (524 away). The match marked 50 years of supporting Charlton for VOTV editor Rick Everitt.

Leko divides Charlton fans

Jonathan Leko divides Charlton fans. Some think he is lazy, does not do enough off the ball and is greedy, not passing it enough. However, he is just 20 years old and clearly has potential. Some more favourable views here: Charlton fans heap praise on 20 year old

I think he can be very good, but at other times he disappoints, but that reflects a player who is still developing.

Six without a win for Charlton

It was six games without a win for an injury ravaged Charlton as they were defeated 2-1 at Luton Town tonight in front of 1,032 Addicks. There were doubts about Luton's first goal, but there is no denying that they edged it. Indeed, the scoreline could have been even worse if they had taken all their opportunities.

In another blow Conor Gallagher picked up a fifth yellow card and will not be available against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Luton hit the crossbar in the opening minute. Then on seven minutes Leko burst past the Luton defence and found himself one on one to score. It was three in three for the often criticised player and his first without a deflection.

Then on 19 minutes a Luton free kick led to a Luton corner. It was cleared but came back in and Luton equalised through Roddick-Mpanzu. The referee did consult the linesman. At first it was thought that there might have been a hint of handball, but it seems that there was a Luton player in an offside position obstructing Phillips.

Luton then dominated possession until after the half hour mark when there was some Charlton possession. On 34 minutes a free kick enabled Solly to put in a good cross but Bonne's header was just wide. Leko put in a cross across the six yard box, but there was no one there to connect. Lockyer intervened to stop Luton scoring from a counter.

On 52 minutes Pratley, who had made some good interceptions, lost out in midfield. Cornick turned provider for Brown who scored. Luton then went on to hit the post.

Sarr was replaced by Doughty. Charlton then switched to a 4-4-2 and their play improved. A Luton corner was headed away by Pratley. Gallagher hit the post. Purrington was replaced by Josh Davison on 85 minutes. Charlton had some late corners but, as happened earlier in game, they came to nothing.

Charlton have gone down to 14th on the same number of points as Hull and Birmingham.

Full report from Louis Mendez here: Luton come from behind

Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer thinks that two refereeing decisions led to defeat at Luton: Refereeing decisions cost us

Having watched the highlights, Louis Mendez commented, 'Can see how the ref missed the handball but the offside decision is risible.'

Josh Cullen will be out until after Christmas with ankle ligament damage, Otzumer might be fit for Saturday.

Same old story

I was surprised to see polls of Charlton fans forecasting a win at Millwall which was always very unlikely. An injury time winner for the home side saw Charlton lose 2-1 at The Den.

Charlton started poorly in the first half and after six minutes Millwall went ahead when Hutchinson scored with a header from a free kick. Phillips had to make a good save from Romeo and then had to punch away a Millwall corner. Charlton were abysmal in the first 20 minutes.

They then started to improve and a Cullen shot was prodded on to the bar. It came down on the line and was centimetres away from being a goal.

Pratley got a yellow card which means that he will miss the game against Cardiff. Bonne put in a great volley but it was saved. Charlton have never won at Millwall in the league when they have been behind at half time.

A Pratley volley was tipped over. On 51 minutes Leko scored from a tight angle following a Charlton corner, the ball deflecting in off the defender's thigh.

A flying save by Phillips denied Thompson. Pratley was replaced by Kayal and then Leko by Lapslie.

In time added on Sarr was beaten in the air by Matt Smith from a corner to see Millwall score the winner.

Charlton are now 11th in the table.

Lee Bowyer said that some Charlton players need to take a look at themselves after defensive foul ups at set pieces. Naby Sarr? Disappointed supremo

Leeds keeper denies racial abuse charge

Leeds keeper Kiko Casilla has denied a FA charge of racially abusing Jonathan Leko in the game at The Valley: FA charge

Swans overcome Charlton

Charlton lost 1-2 at home to Swansea at The Valley tonight to fall to 8th in the Championship table. A penalty appeal after Aneke was brought down in the box was waved away.

A 65th-minute strike sealed a comeback win for the Swans, after Charlton had gone ahead inside two minutes through Jonathan Leko, who drove home from 15 yards with the aid of a deflection.

Yan Dhanda levelled for Swansea with another deflected effort at the end of a bright passing move, before Ayew's close-range effort secured a sixth victory in 10 league games under Steve Cooper.

The visitors' confidence very quickly took a hit as Charlton scored from the first attack of the game. After Swansea made hard work of clearing a cross from the right flank, Leko unleashed a fierce drive which flew into the top corner with the aid of a slight deflection. The Valley was rocking but Swansea settled and found a way back into the contest on 17 minutes.

Ayew had lifted their first effort of the night over the bar, but the Ghanaian was involved again as Swansea worked the ball into the penalty area. After Borja's lay-off, Jay Fulton squared for Dhanda to slide in only his second senior goal thanks to another deflection.

Swansea were growing in confidence and there was a scare for Charlton keeper Dillon Phillips as Fulton flashed a spectacular effort over the bar just before the break. They threatened once more just after the restart as Fulton met Dhanda's cross with a point-blank volley which was saved by Phillips. The ball then ricocheted off Fulton before the Scot hooked it across for Ayew to head home.

Swansea celebrations were cut short on this occasion as the assistant referee ruled that the ball had gone out for a goal-kick before Fulton centred. Yet Ayew was not to be denied. When Matt Grimes swung in a corner from the left, Joe Rodon rose to flick the ball on and Ayew stabbed home from close range.

Charlton threw men forward in the closing minutes, with one Jason Pearce header causing panic, but Swansea held on.

One fan commented, 'you can’t give away the ball that much and expect to get anything at this level. First time this season I’ve thought we probably didn’t deserve anything from a game.'

Lee Bowyer commented, 'They gave me everything and that's all I ask. They've been done on a set-piece. Dillon didn't really have a save to make all game.'

Report from Louis Mendez here: Second home defeat of campaign

Chuks isn't up to it

Lee Bowyer is not convinced that Chuks Aneke is capable of fulfilling the No.9 role in the absence of Lyle Taylor with knee ligament damage. He thinks he is more of a No.10. But he commented at least he has some options whereas last year he had none.

He also commented on the roles of Leko and Hemed. He thinks that Leko tried to complicate things too much last Saturday which I would agree with: Aneke yet to convince Bowyer

Leko's contribution

Jonathan Leko has achieved 93 per cent pass accuracy so far this season and this blog article looks at his contribution: Summer signing that shines

BTW, you are offered the chance to subscribe for updates on 'Charlton City'. Bit of an advance on a village team.

Lyle Taylor has been nominated for Championship Player of the Month. You can vote for him here: PFA awards

To the Londoners 2-0

Charlton have gone second in the Championship, above Leeds and behind Swansea, after beating Reading 2-0 at the Madejeski this afternoon.

George Puscas had two good efforts for the hosts before the break in an even but goalless first period.

Jonathan Leko, described by Bowyer later as Charlton's 'wild card', broke the deadlock soon after half time as the Charlton forward's deflected effort spun in from the edge of the box. The lead was doubled when Lyle Taylor converted a penalty after Chuks Aneke had been brought down in the area by Pele.

Both sides had chances in the first period - Leko forcing a good early save from Reading's Rafael Cabral, while Lucas Joao's overhead kick went just over the bar at the other end. New signing Puscas hit the bar midway through the opening period and he also forced Dillon Phillips into a good save in first-half stoppage time after breaking through.

Reading failed to create many clear-cut chances after the break as Bowyer's boys took command, although John Swift's powerful effort to the top corner was saved by Phillips in the 88th minute.

Lee Bowyer was interviewed on Sports Report and was full of praise for Lyle Taylor, particularly how he holds up the ball. Asked if targets had been exceeded, he said that the only target was to stay in the division. He praised the 'fearless' Addicks to Louis Mendez: Bowyer hails fearless Charlton

The report from Louis Mendez can be found here: Addicks up to second

Leko finds his feet

A Black Country look at how Leko and Field are settling in at Charlton with comments from Louis Mendez. Understandably there is a greater emphasis on Leko who has been able to make more impact as Field has to compete with Darren Pratley for the defensive midfield position: Flying high with Charlton

Joy turns to disappointment

According to many fans and Lee Bowyer it was the best 45 minutes of football Charlton have played under him as manager, but Charlton were unable to hold on to a first half lead. A moment of inattention at a corner and led to a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest at The Valley tonight. The Addicks are now 5th in the Championship table.

Aro Muric made a series of early saves for Forest, denying Jonathan Leko and Conor Gallagher, before Lyle Taylor beat the on-loan Manchester City goalkeeper with a finely-placed header into the bottom corner. The visitors failed to get a shot on target before the break, their best chance being a loose ball that fell kindly for Lewis Grabban in the box but it was superbly cleared by Tom Lockyer as the striker shaped to shoot.

Forest had a penalty shout, as Sam Field brought down Sammy Ameobi with a challenge that appeared to be just inside the area but it instead resulted in a free-kick outside the box.

Forest, who triumphed under Sabri Lamouchi for the first time just five days earlier against Birmingham City, struggled to deal with Charlton's free-flowing attack for long periods of the first half. They didn't have any answers to Charlton's play.

For Charlton, former Addicks academy player Erhun Oztumer made his senior bow, having returned to his childhood club last week after being granted a release by financially-stricken League One side Bolton Wanderers. The forward created the first chance of the game, delivering the corner for Leko to test Muric at his near post.

The keeper went on to deny Gallagher from close range, with Michael Dawson then throwing his body in the way of a fierce shot from Leko on the rebound. Minutes later, however, Leko teed up the opener for Taylor with a neat cross from the edge of the box to complete a slick 22-pass move from the Addicks.

Lockyer ensured the Addicks led at the break with his fine piece of defending, but he was not quick enough to react from a corner as Adomah pounced on a poor first touch to level with 12 minutes remaining.

Lee Bowyer commented after the game: 'I said to them at half-time that that was the best 45 minutes I have witnessed since I have been in charge. We were frightening and created numerous chances and should have been two or three up. We suffered at the end because we got tired. We are all disappointed but I am proud because to put in a performance like that, in and out of possession, was great to watch. You can get punished easily and Forest score a goal from a corner that hits someone and drops down.'

Report from Louis Mendez: Excellent Addicks pegged back late on

Jonathan Leko says that the Charlton were disappointed not to get the win. They try to press as high as they can: Leko's verdict