Mounie: I want goal-den run to continue
MANAGER PLEASED WITH HOW STRIKERS STARTING TO GEL The front four looked a real threat and complemented each other well Danny Cowley, Town manager
TOWN scored their biggest win of the season when celebrating a 4-0 scoreline against Charlton Athletic at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Danny Cowley’s side took six points from their three-game week and now have time to prepare for the derby trip to face Leeds United at Elland Road.
Here are five conclusions from the 4-0 win over the Addicks...
WE said if they could bounce back with two home wins that Town’s miserable defeat at Swansea City would be forgotten – and it has.
The most controversial talking point at the Liberty Stadium was manager Danny Cowley leaving
Arsenal loan man Emile Smith Rowe on the bench.
The manager explained he had to manage the 19-year-old’s minutes with three games in a week, and that selection policy has been fully vindicated by Smith Rowe’s performances against Bristol City and Charlton – and the collection of six points.
THERE have been times this season when Danny Cowley has filled the bench with untried teenagers.
Not any more. There was a strong look
to the bench against Charlton, and it showed. Firstly, it was great to get Alex Pritchard back into the action for the first time since November, and he looked like he enjoyed his cameo appearance.
Then Steve Mounie got his eighth goal of the season barely a minute after replacing the hard-working Fraizer Campbell.
Finally, Juninho Bacuna proved what a talent he can be when released to attack, providing an assist for Karlan Grant’s second goal of the game before rifling in a sixth goal of the season for himself – and a contender for goal of the season at that.
Also on the bench was Collin Quaner, back after hip surgery, so Cowley genuinely does have more competition for places.
■■HATS OFF TO TREVOH CHALOBAH
BEFORE his brother Nathaniel helped Watford spring the biggest shock of the Premier League season by defeating Liverpool, Trevoh was a man-of-the-match contender for Town.
Replacing the injured Jonathan Hogg in central midfield, alongside the excellent Lewis O’Brien, Chalobah had arguably his best display in blue and white stripes.
He was positive in possession, won his fair share of loose balls and was physically competitive throughout. It was his first start since Fulham away on February 1 and he’s had to be patient for another opportunity to show the promise his parent club,
Chelsea, believe he has. Now, he has the chance to play a run of games and prove he can fill Hogg’s boots for the longer term.
■■NOTHING FLASH ABOUT HARRY
HARRY Toffolo had played only seven matches at this level before signing for Danny Cowley in January.
Those games were played on loan for Rotherham United in the 201516 season, when he was trying to make his way with Norwich City.
Toffolo was a teenager at the time and, in the years since, has learned his trade smartly in the lower divisions.
His form in nine matches with Town has been superb – defensively efficient and offensively superb.
And one of his previous Championship
wins? With Rotherham against Leeds United at Elland Road. Enough said.
■■A FRONT FOUR TO FEAR
DANNY Cowley mentioned in his programme notes the attack he has fielded in the last two games.
Fraizer Campbell (with Steve Mounie as the option) in front of Chris Willock, Emile Smith Rowe and Karlan Grant.
“The front four looked a real threat (against Bristol City) and complemented each other well,” said Cowley. “When we put the recruitment together in January, it was always with an ambition to play this front four together at times.”
He believes Campbell’s running stretches the pitch for Grant, Smith Rowe and Willock to prosper.
Looks like he’s spot on.