Arsenal America

Here’s Ken Bradley, the Kentucky Gunner, with the lowdown on Charlton Athletic…

While the rest of the League has been beating up each other and the Gunners have been marching towards the Trophy, Charlton have been sneaking up the table. Unbeknownst to the rest of us the Addicks have positioned themselves in 6th. On the way up the table Charlton have managed 5 consecutive wins (Villa, Everton, Sunderland, West Brom and West Ham) and 34 points out of their last 15 games. These results have lifted them from the bottom and relegation talks to possible European paydays.

Even Manager Curbishley can?t nail down exactly why the team has had such success. No real identity to speak of, the team has managed to grind out victories. Perhaps it?s that clubs have underestimated the Addicks. As the team tries to stay grounded they remain humble, trying to keep this all in perspective.

Certainly one point to note is the offensive success of the Addicks. Jonatan Johannson and Jason Euell pair up nicely and are equal to the task of scoring goals. Both have hit stride at the same time making it all the more difficult for defenses to adjust.

The midfield remains solid but probably the weakest part of the team. Curbishley likes to play 5 in the midfield either stealing one of the forwards to help defensively or pushing up a back to help the attack.

Tahar El Khalej, a Moroccan defender, arrived at the club during the transfer window. He had not seen the pitch until this weekend when Fish and Konchesky were out of the lineup. His performance was so spectacular that he may have won a starters role in a back line that was holding their own. This is typical of how the team is feeling right now. Kiely, who has been an outstanding GK, has hit a high point also. He has always been hit or miss with his performances. Either impossible to beat or the goat. Right now he has been nothing but impressive.

Curbishley is known for working overtime on his gameplan, working long hours to scout an opponent. Almost the John Gruden of the Premiership there is no doubt he has a plan for the weekend. We mustn’t follow the lead of our reserves who lost 4-1 to Charlton’s on Wednesday. Gameplan or not talent and skill should always prevail.