Four takeaways from Charlton’s 2-1 loss at Milton Keynes: Slow start to the campaign

Milton Keynes came from behind to sentence Charlton to their second defeat in succession. Jayden Stockley had edged the visitors ahead after a strong opening 15 minutes but Troy Parrott soon levelled before Mo Eisa struck the decisive blow in the second-half. Here’s LOUIS MENDEZ’S four takeaways from Stadium MK.

THREE WITHOUT A WIN

It was eight years since Charlton went winless in their opening three league games of a campaign – until tonight. Slow starts can be turned around. They won just once in five at the start of the promotion winning 2018-19 season. But with the concerns around the depth of the current squad and still two more outings before the transfer window closes, Nigel Adkins will be desperate to find a way to beat highly-fancied Wigan this Saturday. Momentum is key in any campaign and the malaise surrounding performances so far can’t be allowed to fester much longer.

CHASING GAMES

Twice in four days the Addicks have looked blunt when chasing a game in the second-period. They never looked likely to level after the interval at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday and the same was true once they fell behind this evening. Some of this will point to the lack of options to change a game from the bench and the squad Adkins has available to him three games into the campaign. Charlie Kirk was a welcome introduction this evening but will still need time to get up to full speed. Otherwise, the South Londoners are struggling to find a way to force themselves back into contests when on the backfoot at the moment – something Adkins will be keen to address.

DJ IS THE KEY MAN

Some were ready to write Dialliang Jaiyesimi off after his anonymous performance at Oxford United on Saturday. He famously touched the ball just eight times in an hour at the Kassam Stadium – but he equalled that feat inside ten minutes this evening. Of course, touches aren’t the only metric that matter but Charlton looked so much more potent in attack with DJ more involved in the game this evening. Trickery aplenty – I’m certain he’s got a big part to play this season.

25 CLEAN SHEETS THE TARGET – STILL 24 TO GO…

Nigel Adkins set a target of 25 clean sheets after the opening day shutout against Sheffield Wednesday – but Charlton have conceded four disappointing goals since. Perhaps it’s the necessity to play Chris Gunter out of position at left-back and no other options to replace the injured Ben Purrington but they feel a bit unbalanced at the moment. One ball was enough to open them up for Milton Keynes’ leveller this evening and Mo Eisa was left alone as he poached their second. Addicks fans will hope that Ryan Inniss’ withdrawal at half-time was purely precautionary as he was sat on a booking and nothing more serious.

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS