Charlton Athletic boss breaks down his thinking for seven changes to his side in vital victory at Wigan
Lee Bowyer has talked about making seven changes to his Charlton side for Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Wigan – and he felt Chuks Aneke would have a point to prove after his red card was overturned.
Aneke scored the only goal at the DW Stadium as the Addicks bounced back from a traumatic 3-0 loss to Blackpool last weekend.
And Bowyer says that Saturday’s meek showing was a big factor in switching so many things up.
“The weekend didn’t go how I wanted it to go. I wanted to freshen it up.
“In the full-back positions there is not much between all of them, some bring something different but they are all good players in their own different ways. Wigan’s wingers were strong and I went with two full-back who were going to pull them up and down more.
“I had [Chris] Gunter on the bench and he is more experienced and can play both sides, whereas Ben [Purrington] can only play down one. It is nothing against Ben. In the past Adam [Matthews] has missed out and Ian [Maatsen] has missed out. All four have missed out at some stage because you don’t need two full-backs on the bench.
“Jayden [Stockley] was feeling a bit stiff before Saturday’s game but because he had scored it is difficult to take someone out. But I also knew that Chuks, after his sending off, would have a point to prove because he was so close to being banned for so long. Those shackles got taken away so it’s a case of ‘go on and perform now’.
“Pearcey [Jason Pearce] has missed out on a couple and he hadn’t really done too much wrong to be left out. But when I brought Akin [Famewo] back in I tried to keep the balance of a lefty and a righty but that didn’t work. So you have to find a solution. I know Pearcey – he’s our captain and he’s a leader. It is what we needed.
“I’ve known Pearcey a long time, since I’ve been at the club, and I knew he would perform. I’m really pleased for him. I’ve criticised him in the past so it is pleasing he performed like he did. He has taken criticism and he deserves the praise. It was a gutsy captain’s performance. He led the team. From the first header you knew he was going to be at it and he defended our box really, really well. When he is at that level he is very, very good.
“The likes of him and Ben Watson are experienced players. They are leaders. But all the players who came in did well. Liam [Millar] did well out wide – it was just that final bit he was lacking but he is young and is learning.
“We could’ve scored a few more, we got into some great positions. Little [Matt] Smith did well. It helped with Watson in there and Jake [Forster-Caskey], who is an experienced player now. At Fleetwood the conditions didn’t help him. He got in the box well the other night and it just didn’t fall for him.”