What did we learn from Charlton’s 5-0 FA Cup win over Mansfield Town

Ruthless Addicks –

It’s hard to think of a chance that the home side didn’t put away. All to often this season Charlton have been guilty of squandering opportunities in front of goal. It may not sound an issue now but with a number of teams all nesting on a similar amount of points, goal difference could be called in to question.

When they get it right, like against Mansfield, it looks good. Nicky Ajose and Tariqe Fosu made the right call on each occasion going forward which would’ve pleased Bowyer. Let’s hope they continue that in the league games.

Keeping Taylor is key –

The free summer signing from Wimbledon is turning out to be the best bit of business since Arsenal signed Nicolas Anelka for half a million quid.

A hat-trick capped with a sublime chip will surely alert some of the clubs in the tier above.

Keeping Taylor will be vital for any hopes the club have for promotion. His ability to make something out of nothing, the confidence he gives his team-mates, and the x-factor he brings to the side is irreplaceable, especially with Charlton’s budget.

The fans adore him for what he gives both on and off the pitch, and they’ll be hoping he’ll be doing it at The Valley for the next six months at least.

READ: Player Ratings from Charlton's 5-0 win

George Lapslie the Terrier –

The young midfield is a dynamo. Playing in an advanced role in the first half the 21-year-old chased, harried and was a nuisance to the Mansfield back-line without the ball.

Dropping deeper in the second half on Bowyer’s instruction, he showed his ability to read the game as he broke-up play in the holding role. This isn’t to say he’s not capable when in possession, a real box-to-box midfielder that will surely flourish under Bowyer’s guidance.

Play it from the back –

Throughout Charlton were prepared to play the ball from the back. Goalkeeper Dillon Phillips must have completed more passes than any outfield player in the first half as the Addicks were insistent on playing the ball from deep.

Toby Stevenson and Anfernee Dijksteel at full-backs often found themselves pinned back and looking to play the ball when getting rid up field would’ve been the sensible option. Not all teams can play the Barcelona way, but credit Bowyer and his Charlton side for keeping patience with the plan.

READ: REPORT: Charlton 5-0 Mansfield

Football isn’t fair –

Charlton have been on the end of some poor decisions this season but against Mansfield they got away with a few.

There was Naby Sarr’s blatant man-handling in the box of Danny Rose in the first half, a dubious off-side shout against CJ Hamitlon which chalked off a wonderful finish, and a second half refereeing decision which would baffle the brightest of folk.

Awarding a free-kick to Charlton, and pointing in favour of Mansfield, the away side sent their defenders forward for an attack only for the referee allow The Addicks to take a quick free-kick and score a third. The decision that Bowyer called ‘harsh on them 100%’ sealed the game. It should’ve been re-taken, no questions asked.

VAR is needed, but common sense should be used until it’s implemented in the game.