Charlton's 4-match unbeaten run came to an abrupt end last night at the hands of Bryan Robson's resurgent Sheffield United. An abject home performance by the Addicks was countered by a well-organised team who had clearly done their homework.
Charlton stayed with the same 4-5-1 formation as in recent matches, and started brightly. For the first 20 minutes they gave the visitors the run-around, with Reid and Thomas having freedom to roam around the pitch and control the game. The central defence pairing of Fortune and Sodje that hadn't conceded in over 360 minutes of football looked solid.
Unfortunately, the lack of distinct formation eventually proved costly. After some good attacking play by the Addicks and 2 efforts from Lloyd Sam, it was The Blades who eventually broke the deadlock. Chartlon's defence failed to guard the far post after a high cross from Bardsley, leaving Thomas to clumsily haul down Carney for a clear penalty. Beattie made no mistake from the spot.
The second half saw two changes, Holland suprisingly on for the hard working Semedo and Varney for Lloyd Sam. The home side pressed again but were constantly kept out by tight-marking United. Reid and Thomas never seemed to have the space they needed, appearing to get in each other's way at times. With creativity stifled, the long-ball game re-appeared. This seemed to suit Sheffield United, and they began to grow more comfortable in defence.
Then came 2 turning points which could have swung the game around. Kenny made a fantastic point-blank save after a Danny Mills drive to keep Iwelumo out, followed by Zeng Zhi hitting the crossbar from 8 yards after an excellent centre from Varney.
Charlton's lack of bite in front of goal was punished just 4 minutes later. A scramble in the home penalty area led to Cahill slotting the ball in for a 2-0 lead. Referee Halsey seemed strangely hesitant to give the goal, but it stood and Charlton's task had doubled.
By this time the attacking ideas had all but dried up, route 1 being the only option employed despite clearly being innefective against a solid United defence. Charlton's misery was complete in the final minute after a United break, Chris Armstrong clinically finishing from Beattie's fine pass to wrap up an excellent victory for the away side.
The feeling of a missed opportunity was made worse by the news that Watford had lost 2-1 at home to Burnley. The chance to be 2 points off the top was now lost.
Our next opponents - Burnley. Pardew will have to dust down the tactics and get some beleif back into the squad, as the visitors on Saturday will have the bit between their teeth after an away win against the league leaders.
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