Most Addicks would take an away draw at Brentford as a decent start to the season. Igor Vetokele, who joined the Addicks from FC Copenhagen in the summer, headed his side ahead at Griffin Park. Unfortunately, George Țucudean and substitute Callum Harriott wasted chances for Charlton. They were made to pay as Smith's late deflected shot ensured Brentford a share of the spoils.
England manager Roy Hodgson was in the crowd at Griffin Park as was Football Association chairman Greg Dyke, the former Brentford chairman. And they witnessed a hard-fought London derby. Midfielder Alex Pritchard, on loan from Tottenham, went close from 20 yards in the opening stages before Judge forced Addicks keeper Henderson into a fine 40th-minute save. It was 0-0 at half time.
But Charlton created the better chances and will likely rue those missed opportunities. With the game goalless, Țucudean was clean through but Bees keeper David Button stood his ground to make a fine save. However, Tucudean's second touch could have been better and already some fans are denouncing him. Charlton, in their first competitive match under Belgian Bob, took the lead when Vetokele struck with a header from a corner shortly after the 22-year-old had been denied by Button. Rhoys Wiggins went close with a drive, but the Addicks then squandered a good chance to double their lead when substitute Callum Harriot hit the bar with an open goal gaping after Vetokele had beaten Button to a back pass.
But Smith equalised six minutes from the end with a shot that hit Charlton's former Chelsea and Manchester City defender Tal Ben Haim before finding the net. Some Addicks were puzzled by his selection over Morrison and thought that he was too inclined to argue with other Charlton players.
It is therefore interesting that on the Football League Show, where we were the featured match, Leroy Rosenoir and David Kitson gave particular praise to our defence, arguing that we had one of the strongest back fives in the league. From what I saw, Henderson looked up to the job. It could be argued that Rosenoir and Kitson don't know what they're talking about, but they pointed out that they had both played against the centre backs and they were formidable. However, I think that the argument of some Charlton fans is that they lack pace.
In his post-match interview, Peeters rued our failure to take our chances.
The Bee who wrote our preview commented: 'Charlton look a disjointed side, but we struggled for most of the second half. I was impressed by your two left sided players - Cousins and Wiggins.'
1 comment:
A refreshingly positive first performance from our new squad in the end, with quick fire passing playing a major role. We should have won but it's a good start to the season. Vetokele and Tucudean will trouble most defences this year.
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