Charlton put in an outstanding performance yesterday as they cruised past Derby County 3-0 with some brilliant football, amazing defending and some fantastic goals.
Macauley Bonne added another to his tally after just six minutes when he latched on to Jonny Williams’ low-driven cross. Naby Sarr’s header made it two three minutes after the interval and Conor Gallagher’s absolute thunderbolt gave the Addicks a comfortable win, with Phillip Cocu’s side not threatening us whatsoever.
Here’s how I rate Lee Bowyer’s men after their performance yesterday:
Dillon Phillips – 6
Didn’t really have much to do until the end of the game when Derby were put through one-on-one, but he came out and made a good block. A quiet game for Dillon but another clean sheet.
Chris Solly – 6
I didn’t really see much of Solly yesterday. He made a few good challenges but I didn’t see him much during the game.
Tom Lockyer – 7
Solid defensive display from the Welsh international. Made some great tackles and got forward really well and created chances. Hasn’t put a foot wrong all season.
Naby Sarr – 8
Fantastic performance from Naby! He kept the likes of Tom Lawrence and Martyn Waghorn quiet, he drove forward well and made some crunching challenges. A great header for his goal, let’s hope he keeps it going.
Jake Forster-Caskey – 8
He isn’t a left back, but during that game, you wouldn’t think that! Honestly he could be option to play there week-in week out. He was superb down the left. Defensively he was great, he got forward well and his passing was top notch. Start him against Bristol City!
Darren Pratley – 8
It baffles me how we still refer to this man as our unsung hero. He is genuinely incredible! He bossed the midfield all game, in particular when he battled with Krystian Bielik and won the ball off him, then set up Williams to pull it to Bonne who nearly scored with a spectacular effort. He is a fantastic player for us and deserves a lot more credit.
Josh Cullen – 9
The man is a machine! Even when we were 3-0 up he was running around the field trying to win the ball back. He had a golden opportunity to score when he was put through by Gallagher but Roos denied him but only just. His work ethic is superb and I’m so glad he came back to us this season!
Conor Gallagher – 10
How could I not give him less than full marks? He is an absolute monster! What an unbelievable strike from the 19-year-old. From the moment he struck the ball I knew that it would fly in the net. He is now level with Lyle Taylor for top scorer and I would say that he is in the top five for best players in the Championship. He is an insane talent with a big future ahead of him.
Jonny Williams – 6
I’d give Jonny a higher rating if he played more minutes. He limped off with what looked like a bad injury just past the half hour mark and I hope that it’s nothing too serious because he was outstanding. Grabbed another assist with his brilliant cross to Bonne and he had eagle-eyed vision to spray passes across the field. His creativity is amazing and he is a vital part to this team.
Jonathan Leko – 6
It was an alright performance from the West Brom loanee. Although I think he needs to learn where the A button is! He doesn’t release the ball quick enough, or at all and when he does he gives it away. Other than that he played alright, he was a lot more defensive than usual but did well to make some challenges and had some half-decent chances at goal. I do want to see more from him though.
Macauley Bonne – 8
This man is on fire! Three in four games for the Zimbabwe international and what a finish it was. He could have had a hat-trick with the chances he had. Best performance in a Charlton shirt so far, long may it continue!
Subs
Sam Field – 6
Replaced the injured Williams and I didn’t really pay much attention to him. I didn’t see him much on the pitch, but he did have some good moments. He set up Gallagher for that absolute rocket and he made some good tackles. I won’t be surprised if he starts against Bristol City, let’s hope he puts in a good shift.
Tomer Hemed – 4
His laziness genuinely angers me! I know the game was dead and buried when he came on but he just strolled around the field and put in no effort. He did have a good attempt at goal from outside the box but he need more game time and must improve his work ethic.
Beram Kayal – 5
He did look good when he came on but I want to see him get more minutes. He showed a bit of skill and his passing was good, but he won’t be replacing anyone in the starting 11 at the moment, unless he does something magical. I know what he’s capable of, give him the time he needs and he will deliver.
As a West Brom fan I was hoping you’d cured Leko’s ignorance on when and how to play the ball. He seemed to start well for you, but he’s always frustrated with trying to go past an extra man instead of releasing it or crossing.