It’s too easy to say Charlton’s recent results are down to the loss of top scorer and talisman Lyle Taylor according to manager Lee Bowyer.
Returning from international duty with a knee injury, the 29-year-old has missed the Addicks’ back-to-back defeats by Birmingham and Wigan, results which brought an end to their unbeaten start to the season.
Failing to register a goal in the Montserrat man's absence, Bowyer says that drawing the conclusion that Charlton are a one-man attacking unit are wide of the mark as they welcome Leeds United on Saturday.
“He’s a big part of us, but he’s not everything,” Bowyer said.
“Losing Lyle is massive, his goals, assists, work rate, that’s the reality, it will be difficult, but we are still creating chances.
“Chances are falling to others that would be falling to Lyle.
“Maybe one or two he would’ve scored but the positive side is we are creating chances.
“If we weren’t creating it’d be a worry for me, but the last two games we’ve created enough chances to get something out of the game, and I know we’ll create chances on Saturday because not everything goes through Lyle, sometimes he’s just on the end of it.
“He’s a big loss, but he’s not everything."
Taylor registered five goals and one assist as Charlton went six-games unbeaten as they surprised many to go third in the league.
Following two defeats they’ve slipped to eighth and although they’ve yet to score with Taylor absent, Bowyer believes they’ve got the personnel in the squad to make up for it.
“We have good players. Tomer (Hemed), he’s looking sharper, fitter and stronger, but we have to give him game time, he’s getting better.
“Macauley (Bonne), he’s working hard and improving, his movement’s better, his hold up play and general play, his finishing, it’s all getting better.
“We’re moving in the right direction regarding Lyle’s replacement.
“We miss him, but we’ll be OK I’m sure.”
Taylor injury is expected to keep him out of action for the month of October although Bowyer was hopeful there’ll be positive news in the next couple of weeks.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article