The Addicks encountered their initial setback of the season as the first goal they allowed in three Championship matches was sufficient to leave them without points.
Once again, Nathan Jones’ players could not be criticized for their aggressive press and effort, while defensively they remained highly solid. However, goals are scarce, with Harvey Knibbs’ late strike on the opening day being their only one so far.
A slow-paced match struggled to ignite during a lackluster, low-quality first 45 minutes, with the closest Charlton came to scoring being a fierce Conor Coventry shot from about 30 yards that was tipped over acrobatically by goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk.
The xG at the break was 0.22 v 0.09. The game in terms of opportunities was subdued, in other words, with the personal duel between Lloyd Jones and Leicester striker Jordan Ayew the only subplot of real interest.
The likelihood was that we’d see more action in the second half, and soon after the restart, Jones’ towering header at the back post from a Coventry corner required a defender’s header to steer it away from danger. Many more home corners would be earned before the final whistle.
That near miss energized the proceedings, and when Abdul Fatawu was permitted to dash into the inside right channel and shift back onto his left foot, the Foxes winger curled a flawless shot into the far corner past Thomas Kaminski.
Charlton retaliated with Tyreece Campbell and Miles Leaburn—starting in place of Charlie Kelman—teaming up to provide a scoring chance for Rob Apter, but his low attempt was pushed wide.
A late surge saw Greg Docherty fire over from Leaburn’s lay-off—with the striker having just seen a header saved by the keeper. Campbell headed another solid opportunity over.
Leicester, now led by former QPR manager Marti Cifuentes, may lack the star power of teams typically relegated from the Premier League, but they possess bursts of superior skill, and when former Spurs player Harry Winks entered the game, the Foxes appeared more confident.
Disappointment then for the Addicks, but they have two London derbies upcoming in the league to attempt to rectify yesterday’s result. A visit to QPR next week is followed by a home encounter with Millwall after the international break.