While the lights may have gone out on Charlton’s FA Cup hopes, the defeat by Blackburn highlighted at least five things we believe could impact the second half of the club’s season.
1. Pressure has increased on Peeters
Being winless since November would put pressure on any manager, but after going out in the FA Cup Bob Peeters appears on less certain ground than before. Sacking the 40 year old would be harsh, especially given he was appointed little over six months ago. But if he is given money to spend in January, the Belgian can turn things around starting with victory over Brighton on Saturday.
2. Fitness is an issue
There is, without a doubt, a fitness problem in Charlton's squad. A lack of depth has meant that the likes of Andre Bikey and Tal Ben Haim have not been rested as much as they would have liked. Igor Vetokele still hasn’t fully recovered from an Achilles injured picked up in October, but being rested for the visit of Blackburn will hopefully mean he can do so by Saturday.
3. Charlton need another midfielder
While Johnnie Jackson and Yoni Buyens have had their moments this season, Saturday showed Charlton are lacking in the central and wide areas of midfield. Fans feel Jordan Cousins deserves another chance in the middle and, with Buyens suspended this weekend, he may be given that opportunity. Francis Coquelin was excellent in his short loan spell at The Valley, but is unlikely to return after some impressive performances for Arsenal in recent weeks.
4. Gudmundsson is crucial
Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s arrival was probably one of Charlton’s best summer acquisitions. The Icelandic winger has gradually settled into life at SE7 and has been improving week-on-week. His set-pieces were disappointing in the first-half on Saturday, but his goal from a free-kick in the second, as well as the equaliser against Cardiff on Boxing Day, show just what the former AZ Alkmaar technician is capable of.
5. Charlton's future remains bright
Despite losing on Saturday, 10 players who came through Charlton’s youth ranks were involved in the match-day squad. Karlan Ahearne-Grant looked lively when he came on and Joe Gomez has been a regular throughout the season. Both are 17 and, if Charlton can retain them and the likes of Cousins, the future may not be so bad after all.
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