Foxes 'result stings, but performance encourages'

Charlton Athletic produced their best performance of the Championship season so far, yet ended up empty-handed after a narrow 1-0 defeat by Leicester City in Saturday's early kick-off.

In a match where the Addicks dominated for large spells, the difference ultimately came down to one key ingredient: clinical finishing. And Leicester provided it with a moment of real quality.

Abdul Fatawu escaped the attentions of Charlton's left wing-back, Josh Edwards, swiftly going inside him, before curling a sublime strike beyond goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski.

Despite the scoreline, the statistics told a different story. Charlton registered 20 shots to Leicester's six, with seven on target compared to just two from the visitors. The standout performer? Foxes goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk – a fact that paints a clear picture of the balance of play.

Charlton posed a constant threat, both from open play and set-pieces.

Lloyd Jones was immense at the back and a persistent nuisance going forward, while Miles Leaburn, brought in for new signing Charlie Kelman, justified his selection with a commanding display up front.

Pre-match, the team sheets gave reason for optimism. Leicester left out unsettled names like Bilal El Khannouss, James Justin, former Addick Stephy Mavididi, and benched Harry Winks. But the 2016 Premier League champions still had quality to call upon – including teenage talent Jeremy Monga, who became the youngest scorer in the Championship last weekend at Preston.

To Charlton's credit, heads didn't drop after conceding. The Valley faithful kept the energy high, urging the team forward until the final whistle.

It's a result that stings, but a performance that encourages. If Charlton can maintain this level, they'll not only stay in the division – they'll compete.