Four takeaways from Charlton’s 2-0 victory over Crewe: Addicks finally up and running
Charlton are up and running after the 2-0 win over Crewe Alexandra at The Valley saw the Addicks claim their first win of the season. Goals from Diallang Jaiyesimi and Jayden Stockley shortly before the interval meant Nigel Adkins could breathe a big sigh of relief as the winless run came to an end. Here’s LOUIS MENDEZ‘s four takeaways from the game.
A MARKED IMPROVEMENT
So much better. Charlton, other than 15-minute spell midway through the first-period, were pretty dominant and could have scored more. The two quickfire goals shortly before the interval came at a good time as the Addicks’ fast start seemed to have petered out after a while but they then started the second-half well on top and could easily have scored more.
SWITCH IN SHAPE
It’s clear that the midfield had been Charlton’s problem part of the pitch this season and the adjustment in shape from Nigel Adkins today helped the Addicks control that part of the field for long spells for the first time. Albie Morgan was able to show off his range of passing in a deeper role and Ben Watson ticked things over nicely. 4-3-3 has been Adkins’ go-to formation since he’s arrived at The Valley but today showed he’s not afraid to mix things up.
WASHINGTON, DECENT
Conor Washington had featured on the left of the front-three in the early stages of this campaign but played pretty much as a second striker today. His tireless running helped tom stretch the visitors’ defence and his inch perfect ball for Jayden Stockley’s goal showed how much he can create for others with his unselfishness. Dare I say it, he’s unglamorous, but Charlton are a better side when he plays.
NOT TIME TO GET CARRIED AWAY
It’s only Crewe and it’s only one win. Just as it wasn’t time to press the panic button yet after going four winless, it also isn’t time to declare the dry streak is over. But it’s a massive relief and sends Charlton into the international break on the back of a win – you dread to think how the mood would have been over those two weeks if they were still yet to get off the mark. Something to build upon.