Four takeaways from Charlton’s home loss against Cheltenham: The worst start to a season in 15 years continues
Charlton fell to another defeat as Cheltenham Town ran out 2-1 winners on their first ever visit to The Valley. Goals from Matty Blair and Taylor Perry had the visitors in control inside the opening half an hour. Jonathan Leko came off the bench to halve the deficit on his return to SE7 but again the Addicks were found lacking as they looked for a leveller.
Louis Mendez provides his four takeaways from another sour day at The Valley.
WORST START IN 15 YEARS
It’s been a really disappointing start. The Addicks only lost five times all season when they last won League One in 2011-12 but they’ve tasted defeat four times already this campaign with just six played. Some would have seen today’s game as a fresh start following the international break and the signings added at the end of the transfer window. But the disappointing displays that haunted the South Londoners early on this year were back in town. CAFC Facts & Stats have confirmed it is the worst start to a league season since 2006-7, the campaign which saw the Addicks relegated from the Premier League.
4 points from their first 6 league games in 2021/2022.
Charlton Athletic’s worst start to a season in 15 years. (2006/2007) #cafc
— CAFC Facts & Stats (@CafcFacts) September 11, 2021
TOO EASY TO PLAY THROUGH
Cheltenham opened the Addicks up at ease. Constantly. Control of the midfield was a problem for Charlton once again, particularly in the first-period. Too many crosses came into the Charlton area from wide areas, including for the second goal. Visiting players often found time and space in the 18-yard box to fire off shots. Organisation has to improve. The Robins had fired plenty of warning shots before they added their second in the first half.
LAVELLE DEBUT
The former Morecambe man started alongside Akin Famewo with Ryan Inniss out injured before being withdrawn with what appeared to be cramp late on. It will take time to form a partnership with anyone and he’ll be frustrated he played a part in a defence that was too open.
LEKO ADDED SOME SPARK
The introduction of Jonathan Leko from the bench at half-time did wake the Addicks up briefly. He halved the deficit and saw a couple of pot-shots drift wide from range, before fading as the rest of the side did again. On a day when once again Charlton didn’t see enough from their flair players, Leko provided the small ray of light fans will cling on to. Charlton simply aren’t creating enough chances at the moment though.
PHOTOS: PAUL EDWARDS
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