No one likes losing as Chris Powell pointed out last night following Charlton's 0-3 defeat by Brentford in the Paint Pot. Not a lot was at stake, of course, but I was pleased that duties in Yorkshire prevented me from going to the game.
If there is a lesson to be learned, it is that our fringe players would benefit from a reserve league to maintain their sharpness. Possibly also five changes at the back was running a risk, although an acceptable one.
What is also evident is that, despite concerns expressed about the non-involvement of some players, we have got the starting eleven more or less right, leaving aside the Green v. Wagstaff controversy. The latter has limitations, but I have not seen enough of Green to form a view.
There must also be a concern about what might happen when injuries and suspensions occur, although we haven't been picking up a lot of cards, in part because success reduces frustration and the likelihood of committing fouls.
The Doc was truly rubbish: gifting the first goal, no idea how to get the ball out of defence, putting our own players under pressure - Luton take him please. Alonso was so slow, and kept giving the ball away, and a pen. Hughes - where did we dig we dig him up from? The only bright spot was the quick & skilful Cedric Evina. To be fair, The Bees worked bloody hard and passed the ball around very well. Had to switch the idiot-box at 2-0
ReplyDeleteYou are spot on with your observations regarding the need for a reserve league. That was so evident from last nights game. The Doc and Alonso both looked awful, but in the case of Mikel, one has to remember he's not kicked a ball for nearly 6 months.
ReplyDeleteLast night meant nothing against the importance of the league, but it does raise concerns about the sharpness of the squad if they are called upon.