Five things we learned form Charlton's 2-1 win over Barnsley

Three midfielders crucial to the system

Josh Cullen had a complete performance, resilient in tackles, physical in 50-50’s and precise with his set pieces.

With Jonny Williams looking back to full fitness he aided Cullen defensively but more important he was powerful and purposeful when carrying the ball creating chances.

Darren Partley showed how essential he is in this system shielding the back 3 and shuttling across to cover gaps.

The midfield combination showed a perfect balance of physical defence and swift attacks.

Competent playing three the back

It is clear the Addicks are comfortable playing 3 defenders at the back, looking resolute when under pressure they defend their area by altering from a 3 to a 5 at the back with the support of the wingbacks.

Barnsley’s front line could not create chances by going head-on with the 3 centre-backs majority of their best chances came in transitions.

Catching Charlton on the counter when the midfielders were occasionally out of position leaving the backpedalling three exposed

The boys are physically fit

Being a relegation duel, Barnsley came for a slug fest, the match facts highlight this with three out of their four defenders receiving bookings and injury time lasting over six minutes.

Charlton matched them physically not shying away from collisions and occasional coming out the better in challenges

The victory was well deserved, with several players recently returning from injury and willing to put their bodies on the line showing how much the points means to them.

Running themselves into the ground they still remained focused and kept up to the speed of Barnsley’s fresh legged substitutes

Bowyer's game plan altered

From kick-off it seemed Bowyer aimed to exploit the wide areas with the wing-backs Matthews and Doughty keeping as wide as possible.

Switching the play quickly seemed a task as the ball would not settle especially in the middle of the park.

Long-balls, ricochets and knockdowns saw the ball hang in the air through the early phase of the game.

With Taylor’s early goal Barnsley's intensity soon wore off and Charlton could progress play easier through the middle of the park.

The game-plan to use the wide areas to attack seemed tarnished or forgotten as conventional methods were working, although pleased with result Bowyer touched on how they did not use the switch how they should have.

Luck was with the homeside

In reality, Tykes were unlucky to leave the Valley empty handed.

Hitting the woodwork twice, a clearance of the line, a last stitch header by the Charlton captain and forcing a fantastic save from Phillips not to mention several half chances.

Luckily for Charlton, Barnsley took an age to grow into the game.

In hindsight Gerhard Struber would have made his substitutions earlier because the moment they came entered and Williams exited for Charlton the pendulum swung Barnsley’s way.