Homework not done: Addicks exposed in dreary defeat
- Published
As the schools return, Charlton have much homework, study and revision to get through before their next big Championship exam - our historical tormentors from down the road, Millwall.
In our first three Championship matches, we've focused on our strengths in coping with this new environment but on Saturday we were found wanting in a number of areas against ironically the weakest of the opposition we've come up against so far - QPR.
Firstly, we failed to match their intensity coming off the back of their 7-1 humiliation at Coventry City last time out.
We didn't do enough to stop the low cross from Harvey Vale, leading to their first goal. Rob Apter was unaware of Paul Smyth ghosting in and ahead of him to put the Rs 1-0 up.
When we did equalise, then was the time to push home our ascendancy but the quality was missing in terms of decision-making and delivery.
The impetus was lost as Tyreece Campbell was dispossessed by Amadou Mbengue, the very man who should have been sent off shortly before for a second yellow card offence on ex-Rangers man Charlie Kelman.
From there, Japanese substitute and new permanent signing Koki Saito was allowed to stroll through our non-existent midfield and in turn leave Lloyd Jones off-balance as he unleashed a left footed shot to give QPR the upper hand again.
With six minutes of normal time remaining, there seemed to be a feeling among players and fans alike we were not going to repeat the heroics of the last time we were in W12 at the back end of 2019, when Naby Sarr scored a last-gasp equaliser.
A third goal just added salt to the wound.
It's crucial the likes of Harvey Knibbs and Kelman get their fitness levels up to speed in this international break, while:
Keeper Thomas Kaminski must show more authority.
Defence needs a reset. This is A-level, not GCSE.
Midfield were ghosts at Loftus Road - more bite and ball-carrying urgently required.
Attack must convert potential flair into clinical finishes.
Four points from four matches isn't catastrophic but this clash revealed the gap between surviving and thriving in this league.
Charlton must use this break wisely, or risk being examined again far less kindly.
Paul Sullivan provides commentary on Charlton Athletic games for the visually impaired.