If there is a sign of improvment in this season then it is that a few weeks ago we would probably have lost this game rather than drawn. That is of little comfort given that we dropped points we could (and perhaps should) have taken, against a team considered a close rival). We dominated the first half enough to justify the lead and more. With only the one goal however we inevitably fell over ourselves and allowed Charlton a way back level before another stupidly frantic finale to the game.
With Kluivert injured Bellamy got his chance to play alongside Shearer, a roll he took to with obvious relish. Bowyer continues to look much better in the centre of midfield than he ever will down the right and was somewhat unfortunate to be disallowed a goal. Jenas produced another display to suggest why he merits an England squad inclusion (let's just hope it doesn't go to his head, eh?). Ambrose on the other hand pretty much may as well not have been on the pitch. Granted left wing is hardly his prefered position but it seems difficult to imagine Milner, Jenas et al. having such a poor game over there. Maybe this should partly be a little push to the manager as well though---sometimes things might go much better if players are actually played in position.
We did dominate much of the first half but, worryingly, at times we seemed to lack a certain bite. At some point we may have had all the possession, especially in the attacking third, but it was the opposition who'd had all the shots. The goal did come though, neatly worked through midfield before a (thankfully, given he'd scuffed most of his previous opportunities) fine Bernard cross from the left found Bellamy's head. At one-nil possibly half time came too soon for us, allowing Charlton to regroup and come out stronger. Their drawing level was, yet again, our own fault though. And yet again it is the defence which is being talked about. The players asked to play there may try hard but at some point it must be recognised that trying will not cover for the lack of class (it is a harsh truth that they are not good enough, but a truth none the less). A ball which should have been dealt with wasn't and three points turned into one.
After that it could have been anyone's game, neither side having the composure to produce enough of a calming influence to gain control. So we scrambled away with a point, the unbeaten run in tact but the chance to climb to the giddy heights of fourth in the table missed. It's that sort of missed opportunity which gets you midtable obscurity if you're not careful.
The next game brings with it its own tests. Away for the start of the bizarre UEFA group stage it's certainly a bit different to Charlton. If we can keep the unbeaten run going there (which is the least we should achieve) we'll be canny, just in time to welcome a certain Mr Keegan to St James'
(@21:10)
