Lee Bowyer: Back-to-back wins for Charlton prove that points-per-game chat was ridiculous

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Charlton have registered back-to-back wins since the return to action from the enforced coronavirus break – with Lee Bowyer saying it proved how ridiculous discussions were about ending the season on a points-per-game (PPG) basis a few weeks ago.

Bowyer had branded previously mooted plans to decide the final Championship standings on PPG as “scandalous” and will feel vindicated as his side opened up a three-point gap above the drop zone following the conclusion of Saturday’s fixtures – whilst they would have been relegated automatically under PPG if the league had been curtailed.

Darren Pratley’s early header in the lunchtime kick-off at The Valley gave the South Londoners a second 1-0 victory in the space of the week, following on from last weekend’s victory away to Hull.

“That’s why I was not very happy with the way they were trying to do it,” explained the Addicks chief.

“It wouldn’t have been right and it wouldn’t have been fair. I knew, with nine games to go, there was a lot of football left. Even with seven to go now, we’re not out of it yet. We have to focus and keep fighting for every point because this league can hurt you.

“We’ve had a good start, we’re in a good position but we have to fight until the end. The most important thing for me is that we stay in the division. What they were trying to do before with this points-per-game thing was ridiculous. I think we’re proving that as it stands today. But there’s still a long way to go.

“I think [the game] it was very similar to last weekend. A very solid performance. We limited their chances. They had one good chance, clear-cut chance in the 90 minutes and Dillon [Phillips] made a good save. Apart from that, I thought it was a good solid performance.

“Overall, on chances created, I would say we created the better chances and deserved to win the game. Yes, they had a lot more possession than us. If I’m going to be critical, in possession we weren’t as good as we normally are. We turned over the ball a bit to easily and we didn’t take our chances again.”

The Charlton squad are sure to be in high spirits after earning their first consecutive wins since August, but Bowyer will ensure they remain focused for the final seven games of the run-in.

“It’s my job to keep their feet on the ground and let them know that we ain’t safe yet,” Bowyer explained.

“We have to keep pushing and keep fighting for every point. Every point is valuable in this league. You never know what is going to happen.

“[Team spirit] was good even when we came back. We all knew where we stood, what we have to do to stay in the division. Team spirit has always been high. Last week’s result helped, this one will give them another lift.”