Bowyer praises "perfect team performance" and updates on injuries to Vetokele and Cullen

Lee Bowyer said it was “the perfect team performance” as every man contributed to the Addicks 2-0 win away at Walsall.

Lyle Taylor and Krystian Bielik netted as Charlton moved into the play-off spots with a crucial three points. 

Bowyer explained why Taylor was able to play after overcoming an injury at the weekend and his full interview will be available on Valley Pass this evening.

He said of the game: “It was very good. Another professional performance from us. It gets us back to where we have been in the past. It’s a tough league and you come here and they don’t drop many points at home, especially when they’ve lost, they don’t often lose the next one.

“I’m really proud of the lads, I’ve just told them that’s what our standards are on a Tuesday night in tough conditions and the way we fought and battled and, especially in the first half, the way we played going forward, we could have had three or four at half time.”

Bowyer said he had learned from previous occasions when his team had games on a Saturday and a Tuesday and deliberately rotated his squad more than he would have done previously. 

He said: “We made four changes and they all stepped in. (Darren) Pratley in the middle of the park - outstanding. Naby (Sarr) left back, obviously we know he’s uncomfortable out there but brilliant. We had Tariqe (Fosu) outstanding, I think that’s the best game he’s played this season. Igor (Vetokele), it’s unlucky you know. He looked good as well up until he got injured.”

Both Vetokele and Josh Cullen went off injured and Bowyer explained: “He’s (Vetokele) dislocated his shoulder, he’s gone to hospital. Josh Cullen dislocated his shoulder, it’s just unreal. Saturday we got two hamstrings (Ben Reeves and Anfernee Dijksteel), today we get two dislocated shoulders, it’s just not normal.

“Our back four and Jed (Steer) I thought were outstanding. When Jed needed to be called upon he was called upon. Our back four defended the box. Our two centre-halves won every header. Our midfield dominated the game and our front two do what they do. They work hard out of possession and cause problems going the other way. The perfect team performance I thought.”

Bowyer's full interview will be available on Valley Pass this evening.

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