da roleta： This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
da 888： Saturday’s early kick-off saw Charlton travel across London to take on Fulham, and an enthralling game ensued as the two sides partook in a brilliant, end-to-end spectacle.
Before the match, we detailed how the Addicks must keep an eye on Cottagers duo Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic, and it must be said that Lee Bowyer’s men only really carried out half of the task in that respect.
Who did they deal with?
Well, Fulham’s No.10 Cairney didn’t do a great deal to threaten the Charlton backline throughout, so you could argue that the Addicks did a good job on the 28-year-old.
Cairney had three unsuccessful touches and was dispossessed twice, while also failing to grab a goal or an assist.
The attacking midfielder also failed to register a key pass – despite him being one to watch before kick off having been involved in eight goals already this term, Charlton shackled him well.
On the other hand, his teammate Mitrovic was well up for the London derby and gave the south Londoners a torrid time at the back.
How did the Serbian do?
It wasn’t for the want of trying from Tom Lockyer and Jason Pearce, but Mitrovic ran them ragged throughout the 90 minutes.
Lockyer recorded a game-high seven clearances and also made one tackle, whereas Pearce made five clearances and two blocks.
However, Mitrovic prevailed and the Addicks were perhaps lucky to limit the 51-cap Serbia international to just one goal.
The 25-year-old took a huge eight shots – more than any player on the pitch – and scored the point-claiming equaliser after using his body well to shield the ball and scoop it into the roof of the net.
Mitrovic – who cost Fulham £22m from Newcastle – also smashed the crossbar with a rocket of a shot, while his excellent hold-up play and physical strength saw him win three fouls throughout the game.
Charlton most certainly struggled to live with the Championship’s top scorer, and they can count themselves a bit lucky that he only managed to score once against them, having hit seven of his eight shots off target.