Four takeaways from Charlton Athletic’s 2-0 defeat at Burton Albion: Pressure ramps up as winless run extends to nine

Charlton’s winless run extended to nine league games after a 2-0 reverse at Burton Albion. Here’s Louis Mendez’s four takeaways from the Pirelli Stadium.

ANOTHER DEFEAT

It’s now five defeats in six. Nine games without a win. Just two wins in 15 and no clean sheets in that time. Those are harrowing stats.

Charlton may have controlled the ball in the first-half but that was always what both sides were happy to see. Martin Paterson drilled his team to sit off Charlton – a back-five out of possession – and frustrate them. It was up to the Addicks to break them down. And yes, there were chances for the visitors. But they weren’t clearcut. New loanee Freddie Ladapo had a couple of moments on the edge of the area. Tyreeq Bakinson side-footed wide from 18 yards. Alfie May lifted over from a free-kick that was pulled back to him.

Paterson’s gameplan relied on Burton making the most of their rare forays forward. Unfortunately, this Charlton side will also ensure that those rare moments are rewarded. Mark Helm was invited to break the deadlock midway through the half – more on that later.

Max Sercombe denied Terell Thomas from range and Bakinson from a resulting corner in quick succession to maintain his side’s advantage at the break.

John Brayford’s second shortly after the restart killed it off – even though there was plenty of time to try and make a comeback – because the Addicks reacted very poorly to going two behind.

Another game where Charlton’s dark side consumed any positives. Another game that further extends the malaise.

APPLETON ON THE ROPES?

The head coach was the target of several disgruntled chants at the Pirelli. It’s clear that he has lost large swathes of the fanbase, and it has been that way for several weeks.

He called for perspective following a similar reception during the home defeat against Oxford on New Year’s Day – mainly due to the injuries the South Londoners have carried this season. Members of the Global Football Partners board in SE7 have voiced their support for Appleton over the last few weeks. There’s clearly been a realisation that the squad hasn’t been good enough because Andy Scott has commenced shipping half of them out of the building and bringing in higher quality additions.

But those excuses can only take you so far. There will come a point where this weird purgatory Charlton find themselves in will burst. Results are terrible but the anticipation of better to come with the recent transfer business seems to be keeping the wolves from the door for the head coach now. That better must come soon. There’s very little belief it will amongst supporters.

Appleton said he believes he still has the backing of the board. But that backing will start to waver if results continue in this vein.

SOFT TOUCH

BBC Radio Derby provide full coverage of Brewers game. Burton Albion legend Aaron Webster is the summariser. He was sat in the row behind me, so I got to enjoy his insight throughout. Four words he uttered really resonated with me – said shortly after Albion’s second.

He surmised that Charlton “are a soft touch.” He saw what we’ve all seen for too long. For all the possession of the ball they enjoyed, the Addicks wilt at the first sign of pressure.

The second goal was particularly embarrassing. There were chances to clear the ball properly before it was sent back in. Tennai Watson was completely outmuscled in his own six-yard box and Brayford could capitalise. Despite being behind, Charlton could feel reasonably positive about their first-half display. But Soft Touch Athletic concede goals from anywhere and everywhere. That second goal sucked the life out of the side.

It’s now 15 league games without a clean sheet. Only three sides have conceded more than the South Londoners in League One and they’re all in the relegation zone.

And lessons aren’t being learned. Lloyd Jones didn’t close Ephron Mason-Clark down last weekend for Peterborough’s winner. He didn’t close Mark Helm down this weekend for the opener. Patterns that emerge and aren’t snuffed out must always be a concern. If it’s a weakness – address it and fix it. It ain’t happening.

RELEGATION BATTLE

It’s a damning indictment of the dross at the bottom of League One that Charlton are still seven points clear of the relegation zone.

The Addicks’ points per game of 1.11 would see them finish on 51 this campaign. That would normally keep you up – just. 49 points is the average amount of points earned by the side who gets relegated fourth from bottom in League One.

Any side that picks up two wins in 15 league games is in danger of being sucked into a dogfight. Only goal difference is keeping the South Londoners above 19^th.  I still think that the Addicks will avoid that indignity with the bodies they have in the building now, but the fightback must start soon. We’ve seen sides embroiled in death spirals before and they can be very tough to unfurl yourselves from.

Plus, there is an absolute dog of a fixture list coming up in February. Two clashes with Derby, a trip to Bolton plus lead leaguers Portsmouth at The Valley. Northampton on Tuesday looks a must win.

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS