Charlton Athletic 1 - West Bromwich Albion 4

Dave Watkin:

PREFIX

It was over fifty years ago, Saturday 6th November 1954 to be precise, when Albion last won away to Charlton Athletic in any competition. In that Division One fixture, Alec Jackson netted on his debut and the late great Ronnie Allen added two more, to give the Baggies a 3-1 victory. Thus few if any of the 3,000 Albion fans who headed south (2,000 aboard 40 free coaches laid on by the Club) will have witnessed an Albion success at the Valley, until today.....

The Baggies produced an outstanding performance against a side challenging for a place in Europe.

From the kick-off we were the hungrier side, created a host of chances and would have been several goals to the good, before Charlton were reduced to ten men, had the home keeper Dean Kiely not been in outstanding form.

It was a tremendous team performance, but if I have to pick out individuals then Neil Clement was dominant in the centre of defence, Zoltan Gera was bewitching at times in midfield and Geoff Horsfield was strong in the attack. However, from the starting line-up I think I was most impressed by the overall game of Paul Robinson both defensively and going forward. The selection of man-of-the-match has to go to Rob Earnshaw, who although he was on the pitch for less than half-an-hour, netted the first top flight Albion away hat-trick since Cyrille Regis in 1981. All credit to Manager Bryan Robson too, who picked the right side for the job, got them playing at their best and made the right substitutions at the right time.

The Albion support was superb, both in terms of numbers, originality and volume. We really were the twelfth man today and the Club's investment in free travel has again paid off (that's three wins out of three!). At a cost of say ?25,000 that's real value for money. How about another free day at Middlesbrough?

For once I thought the referee, Mr Halsey, got just about everything right. What a pleasant change to be able to write that.

TEAM NEWS

There was just one change for today's vital game, Jonathan Greening was recalled at the expense of Kanu, as Bryan Robson reverted to a 4-4-2 formation.

HIGHLIGHTS

Albion made a tremendous start completely dominating the opening ten minutes. Our first chance came after Paul Robinson won a brave challenge and then played a ball through to Geoff Horsfield which he laid off to Jonathan Greening. From his cross the ball reached Ronnie Wallwork and his low shot through a ruck of players was well saved by the Charlton keeper Dean Kiely diving to his left. Next Jonathan Greening made a surging run before striking a powerful drive which this time Kiely saved by plunging to his right. In the 9th minute Albion again threatened down the left and when Jonathan Greening whipped in a deep cross there was panic in the home defence allowing Zoltan Gera to return the ball into the middle where an unmarked GEOFF HORSFIELD had the simple task of heading home the opening goal.

Minutes later Russell Hoult made a remarkable save to allow Albion to retain the lead. A long ball through the centre troubled Gaardsoe and his weak header back dropped for Johansson. The Addicks striker looked to have hooked the ball over Hoult, but he rose from a prone position to somehow push the ball around the post. The next action was back at the other end as Geoff Horsfield, on the edge of the area, turned his marker only to be pulled back. From the resultant free kick Zoltan Gera curled the ball towards the top corner before a wicked deflection off a home player's backside looked certain to defeat the keeper. However Kiely seemed to twist in mid-air and somehow managed to deflect the ball over the bar.

Midway through the half the injured Gaardsoe was replaced by Darren Moore. In the 24th minute as the big man was settling in an incisive ball through the middle played JOHANSSON in beyond him. Hoult dashed out of his area won the ball in a sliding tackle but unluckily it rebounding back into the path of the Finn and he was able to sidefoot into the empty net.

In the 28th minute this thrilling game took another turn and this time it was to Albion's benefit. Gera was running at the home defence when El Karkouri launched a two footed tackle which felled the Hungarian. The referee had no hesitation in producing a straight red card, reducing the home side to ten men.

Next Albion had a let off. When Charlton threw in a long free kick from the right, Hoult lost the ball in an unfortunate collision with Wallwork and Hreidarsson was quickest to take advantage, but his goalbound header was headed off the line by Darren Moore.

After the break the Baggies created another couple of opportunities for Robinson, whose low shot was comfortably saved at the foot of the post and for Gera who curled a shot around a post. However, at this stage of the game Charlton, despite their one man disadvantage, were having their best spell as an attacking force. Thus it was a brave decision by Bryan Robson in the 64th minute, to take off Richardson, bring on Rob Earnshaw and switch to 4-3-3.

The Baggies could have gone behind if Bartlett had done better than head an inviting cross straight at Hoult. Then in the 73rd minute came the moment that settled the match. Gera fed Paul Robinson wide left and he sent in an excellent deep cross which Geoff Horsfield headed back across the six yard box to where ROB EARNSHAW, who had slipped his marker, was able to head into the roof of the net.

The action was not over. In the 84th minute Zoltan Gera played a perfect pass through the defence, ROB EARNSHAW was onside as he raced through the middle waited for the keeper to commit and hit a cross shot over him into the net. With three minutes remaining Richard Chaplow was brought on for his Albion debut and made an almost immediate impact. In the 89th minute the Baggies took a short corner on the right and Chaplow cut in along the touchline only to be cut down just inside the area. A penalty was given and ROB EARNSHAW stepped up to stroke the ball low into the corner to complete an extraordinary sixteen minute hat-trick.

ALBION FORMRATE : BRILLIANT

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH : ROB EARNSHAW

FOOTNOTE

Albion's 4-1 success was our biggest ever against Charlton in the top flight. Furthermore, not since the memorable 5-3 triumph at Manchester United in 1978 have we netted more goals away from home and one must go back further to May 1977 to find a bigger away win, 5-0 at Leicester City.

The three points do not take us out of the bottom three, but coupled with defeats for both Crystal Palace and Norwich City, we're right back in with a genuine chance of avoiding relegation.

                                       PLD     PTS
        17th    Crystal Palace          30      26
                -----------------------------------
        18th    Southampton             29      24
        19th    ALBION                  30      24
        20th    Norwich City            30      20
   

Norwich Baggie:

Just a quick thought on todays game. The commentary team on london radio today were a little critical of Robsons tactics in the second half being that we had an extra man. (That said, they were very impartial, to their credit).

They found the tactics slighty negative and at the time i was inclined to agree.

However what was very clear as the game drove on was that the Charlton team were very very tired trying to make up for the extra man. When Robson finally made the change the effect was almost immediate with a 10min Earnie hatrick. After the 2nd went in the radio team commented on how the Charltons heads dropped so evidently.

Perhaps great tactical work by Robson or a stroke of luck?

THE GREAT ESCAPE IS BACK ON!! let me hear you say it....2 wins in 3!!!? Surely not!

I'm still dreaming......

Des:

Absolutely brilliant result and with some great individual performances. I thought Gera in particular had an outstanding game, with the midfield 4 all playing well. IMO we should stick with this formation and this midfield until the end of the season.

I also thought Earnie was a revelation when he came on, the second goal was excellent the way he beat the offside trap and coolly slotted the ball home. Again IMO he should start every game, we cannot afford to have such a prolific goalscorer sitting on the bench. I wouldn't mind who he plays alongside as the Horse and Campbell are quite similar in terms of their impact, but even if we have to go 4-3-3 we should get him on.

Still a bit concerned about the defence or rather the communication problems which exist between Hoult and the centre backs. The SKY commentators said the "lack of concentration" at the back was the cause of all our problems this year, and I wouldn't disagree. I thought as individuals the defence all played well but as a cohesive defensive unit we still have issues to sort out.

I watched the game on SKY and it was great to see and hear our fans being able to celebrate a win, long over due, much deserved. I am not a Peace fan, but credit to him and the board for laying on the free coaches.

Jules:

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.

On the journey down our armada of coaches were taunted by a coach of Man City fans making hand gestures of relegation. But bugger them. Bugger everyone that?s written us off. We?re not out of it yet but we?re on the way. This is the first time in months we?ve been less than 5 points adrift. A crushing performance against Charlton in their own ground now make me and the team confident for trips to Middlesborough and Spurs and even Manchester United. Home games against Everton, Blackburn and Portsmouth should yield maximum points too and Arsenal aren?t very daunting any more either.

Players:

• Hoult: Is looking fatigued of late; I do think it will be his last in the Premiership. Great save on his back early on keeping us in it but didn?t have a lot to do. 6/10
• Robinson: Fantastic, had a couple of shots on target. 9/10
• Clement: Fantastic. Showing confidence, Pick of the defence. 9/10
• Gaardsoe: Not on very long but did nothing wrong. 7/10
• Albrechtson: Loves to get down the right like Robinson on left. 9/10
• Zoltan of Smethwick: Absolutely phenomenal pass to Horsfield like out of a computer game. Was less present after horror tackle though. 8/10
• Richardson: absolutely brilliant, we won?t keep him though even if survival is secured. Not once Giggs retires any way. 10/10
• Wallwork: dependable as ever. Forced Kiely into a couple of good saves 8/10
• Greening: Always terrorising the oppo, also forced Kiely into great save. 8/10
• Horsfield: phenomenal form of late. This won?t be his last goal of the season either. Rubbed some Charlton players up the wrong way that contributed to their downfall. 8/10
• Campbell: not his best game for us but didn?t hinder us either. A true team player. 7/10
• Big Dave: Kept us level with a header off the line. Dependable. 8/10
• Earnie: Many of his first touches were complete flukes but who cares? First Albion player to get a league hat trick for 4 and a half years since Lee Hughes against Preston in 2000. Exorcised his penalty demons, as did most the away support and I! 101/10
• Chaplow: not on long but won us the penalty. Some very neat passes too. 9/10
• Kanu & Kuszczak: Shame they couldn?t join in the fun!
• Bryan Robson: we sung his name and sung it loud. Has transformed us and left us aiming not just for 17th place but higher. I bet he?s relishing that return to Old Trafford as are we all. 10/10

Would this result occur under Gary Megson? In all his games in the Premiership we never won by even half that scoreline! The boys have left me in no doubt now that we ARE A PREMIERSHIP CLUB.

BOING BOING

AJ-B:

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT, FANTASTIC, EVEN AMAZING!!

This result has been promised for some weeks now, at last we got our just rewards for the better quality football that Bryan Robson has got the "Megson no hopers" playing. Overall it is difficult to lay criticism at any one of the lads, as each at some time contributed massively to the cause - of us getting our first away win of the season & our first for over 12 months. For me the true Man of the Match was Paul Robinson who had his best game in an Albion shirt, throughout the game he played as though his very existance depended on it, brilliant tackles & to shut up doubters, his ability to get forward & dribble - yes DRIBBLE past opponents was superb, he could even have had a couple of goals for himself with blistering drives. However he did lay on the cross that Horsefield headed across goal for Earnshaw to restore our lead.

Not far behind, Neil Clement once again never put a foot wrong, both in the air & on the ground his reading of the game was immaculate. Not suprisingly I see that Earnie has been made Star Man, he did take his goals brilliantly, goalscorers with a match haul always will I suppose but my vote is for our 2 defenders. Zoltan Gera had another immense game & was easily the pick of midfield, great through ball for Earnie's second, also unlucky from a free kick that deserved a result as Kieley tipped over the bar. Richardson, Wallwork & Greening were a touch disappointing, each often giving the ball away, so was Albrechtsen who again was given a run around but as stated overall it is difficult to fault anyone.

A terrific result secured for our terrific loyal away supporters who once again made unbelievable noise, never stoppoed singing throughout & this time with more original chants. Cogratulations to the club for supplying the 40 buses free, we have all been repaid handsomely, The Great Escape tunnels are now being dug!

My Player Review:

• HOULT - What was he doing charging out & conceding the goal, he should have stayed back as Moore & Robinson were charging in, also if he chooses to run out he MUST win the ball. Made a super save earlier as Gaardsoe was injured in trying to head back.
• ALBRECHTSEN - Very shaky again for a lot of the game, did make some surging runs but MUST pay attention to his defensive capabilities.
• GAARDSOE - Apart from a weak header back to Hoult (he went down clutching his leg after) made many timeley interceptions, had to limp off to be replaced by Darren Moore. Hope the injury is not too serious & he has a fortnight to get fit again.
• CLEMENT - Our Mr Reliable, read everything superbly, great all round display, must sureley be our "Player of the Year".
• ROBINSON - ABSOLUTE STAR MAN terrific all round performance both defence & attack, his great deep cross helped us restore our lead, also unfortunate not to score with a couple of sharp drives. His best display in for Albion.
• GERA - Immense talent from our Magyar, great tight control, super use of the ball in unthreading the Addicks defence, loveley delicate through ball for Earnie's second goal. Could easily have had a couple himself. Rumours are strong that we will lose him in summer, we should keep Zoltan - no matter what it costs.
• WALLWORK - Not one of Ronnies better days, at fault for the Addicks goal also gave too many loose passes, had a big battle with Murphy that the ex Scouse just about won. Had a couple of good efforts saved.
• RICHARDSON - Like Wallwork not his best showing, perhaps his immense effort against Chelsea took its toll, started the game where he left off against the Pensioners but faded as the game wore on.
• GREENING - Recalled to revert us back to 4-4-2. did not do much for me apart from a couple of crosses & a fierce drive his overall showing was below par. Had difficulty in getting past his markers today, did not get many chances to get crosses in from the bye line.
• HORSFIELD - You have got to give great credit here, the past 3 games he has been terrific & today he scored a 'legitimate' goal - his first for ages, perhaps now he has found the net 3 times in 2 games (2 disallowed) we will see Horse scoring more from his 'feed'.
• CAMPBELL - This dual battering ram combination with Horsefield seems to be working, going in where it hurts, holding the ball up superbly & creating openings with little flick ons, Kevin has brought composure to our attack. He needs to get a goal to maintain confidence.

SUBS:

• MOORE - Replaced Gaardsoe midway through first half. Great to see 'Big Dave' in action again. Started aprehensively, but grew in stature as game progressed. Won everything in the air, slow on ground though but has Clem to cover.
• EARNSHAW - Well what can you say, replaced Richardson over half way through second half & made his presence felt almost immediately heading in a headed Horsfield cross from a Robinson centre to restore our lead. Then within 15 minutes had scored a hat trick! Brilliant finishing.
• CHAPLOW - Came on with only about 5 minutes left but made his mark not only by getting the penalty but made runs down both flanks creating mayhem for Charlton - a very impressive debut indeed even though it was for just a few moments.

UNUSED SUBS:

• KUSZCZAK - Must keep his patience, may be given a chance soon.
• KANU - A good showing at Chelsea, but difficult to see where he can feature as a 'regular'.

BRYAN ROBSON - Seems at last as his faith & belief has got through to the supporters who chanted his name throughout this game, even asking "Robbo, Robbo give us a wave" - which he did! Brilliant tactics again, & his timing in introducing Earnie was perfect. Come on now all you doubters, get behind Bryan & Nigel in force against Everton, as Deliah put it:- "Where are you? - lets be having you". We're staying up, we're staying up, West Brom are staying up.

John Bird:

Great performance and the most enjoyable result of Albions 2 years in the Premiership.

• Hoult - 7 - Had little to do. Fantastic first half save after Gaardsoes mistake. Back on form over the past few weeks, shame some people can't get off the band wagon.
• Clement - 8 - Those who are on hoults back are probably those who were on clements last season and the start of this. Another fine performance. Glad to see clement is now showing the talent that he has in abudance.
• Robinson - 9 - Best performance in an Albion shirt. Recent form has been excellent. Nobody has been more critical of him than me, however he is now proving me wrong!!!
• Gaardsoe - 6 - injured early on. Nearly cost a goal with a sloppy mistake.
• Albrectsen - 6 - Struggles on the right handside. a few mistakes and poor crossing is a result of him being predomiantly left footed.
• Greening - 8 - Excellent. Turns players inside out. Good passing and crossing.
• Gera - 9 - Excellent. So athlectic and great vision.
• Wallwork - 7.5 - some timely tackles and unlucky not to score.
• Richardson - 8 - Shows such great energy and fitness. Ran with the ball at pass and passing/crossing is excellent. Faded a bit in the second half.
• Horsfield - 9 - Great workrate. Always wants to win. If only we could combine is attitude and Koumas' talent.
• Campbell - 6 -Didn't think he had a great game. Some good touches and worked hard but didn't produce a lot.

Subs

• Moore - 7.5 - Won everything in the air. Solid as ever. A couple of stray passes. Surely should be offered a new contract.
• Earnshaw - 9.5 - Nobody can ever get ten!!! A hatrick in 15 mins... enough said.
• Chaplow - 7 - only had about 5-6 mins however showed good touches and got WBA a penalty.

Overall a good display and the team are looking easily good enough to stop in this division, however lets just hope that it is not too late.

It's a shame however that the flair of Kanu and Koumas can't be incorporated. However maybe if Koumas stopped drinking and started trying then maybe he would make it back in. At the end of the day it is up to him however I can't see that the club will be prepared to pay him ?15,000 per week for his current contribution.

Cuzer:

What a fantastic day yesterday, vintage Albion in terms of the support, constant singing, new songs, high volume and for once the lads on the pitch did us completely and utterly proud.

Focus from minute one was spot on, tore into Charlton and you got the impression, even before the sending off, the only way they were going to score was from a West Brom error.

I did say we would win all week and I'm confident we will also beat Everton, alas I also fancied Saints to win at Boro and that looks like being the case. We're back in the mix mind!

Marks

• hoult 7: Still a lack of communication with his back four, whoever is involved in the defence, seems to be playing with low confidence
• Albrechsten 7: Full or running yet still suspect to the ball in behind him, lack of a quality right foot is costing us decent delivery on crosses
• Robinson 9*: Awsome display from the real action man. Got up and down the left flank like I've never seen him before, could have scored a couple and put in the telling cross for Earnies first. Tacked like a trojan all afternoon
• Clement 9: Brilliant diaply from Clem, didn't put a foot wrong all day, also getting better in the air with every game
• Gaardsoe 6: Had a shakey start before going off with what appeared to be a groin strain
• Gera 9: Genius, how else do you describe him? Amazing skill for the first goal, beautiful slide rule pass for Earnies 2nd, constant running, amazing first touch, this bloke is priceless
• Richardson 7: Great first half, full of running, substituted early in 2nd and rightly so as started quiet and appeared tired.
• Wallwork 7: He can play football but why is EVERY game like a training match? No 2nd gear, strolles around at his own pace and lacks any urgency, it's always somebody elses fault and when/if he gives it away no passion to hurry up and get it back! However, on the ball his distribution is generally good, if he only had the desire of Richardson or Robinson he would be a proper centre midfielder
• Greening 8: Caused Charlton problems all afternoon, close to scoring again on a couple of occasions, right decision to be brought back in
• Horsfield 8: Held the ball up extremely well, pure strength caused Fish and co problems, seems to tire around 70 though, something we need to be aware of
• Campbell 7: Not at his best yet couldn't fault work rate, inspirational leader

Subs

• Big Dave 8: Won everything in the air, couple of embarassing slices into touch when under no pressure yet the ugly stuff he is renowned for he did so, so well. May have played himself into a starting place against Everton
• Earnie 9: Clinical finishing, we all know he can do it (Well, apart from Ole, eh Nick? lol) making a rod for his own back by doing so well when coming off the bench
• Chaplow 7: Only on 5 minutes or so, won a penalty and played a great ball for Horsfield, looked delighted to be involved

All in all a superb day out. Massive credit to Bryan Robson he has proved me wrong in my initial thoughts on him and what he was doing here, my only regret is we didn't get a couple of players we were trying to in Jan as I would then be 100% sure we would stop up.

Highbury Baggie:

The 4-1 drubbing of Charlton was a blinder and not before time. As a London Baggie I've endured rock bottom performances at Palace, a miraculous 1-1 at Arsenal, daylight robbery at Fulham, domination of Tottenham followed by abject capitulation.

What next?

We're as good as most in the league, of this I'm certain, were it not for the defence. It's that leaky central defence that bothers me most - to be precise right central, not to mention right back and occasionally left back (Robbo you were great at Charlton, though you missed two open goals). So how does Robbo, our Messiah, sort it for the last 8 games? Well of course he can't, there is no right back and the Danes look pretty lethargic to me, whereas Darren Moore can stop (if he's in the right position). But will distribute the ball anywhere but the right place (there were some howling clearances at Charlton)?

Continue with 3 up front for starters, keep those fingers crossed and get us Baggies at the away matches pumped up!