Charlton Athletic are the only team in the Championship with a perfect record after three matches, following a 1-0 victory over Preston North End. Karlan Grant’s first goal since rejoining the club secured the win, putting Charlton at the top of the league for the first time since the 1992-93 season.
KEY FACTS
- Charlton beat Preston 1-0 to maintain a 100% record
- Karlan Grant scored his first goal since returning to the club
- Charlton last won their first three second-tier matches in 1992-93
- Southampton defeated Millwall 5-1 after conceding an early lead
How did Charlton secure their top spot?
Charlton’s victory was narrow but decisive, with Karlan Grant’s goal proving the difference against a struggling Preston side. The 25-year-old forward rejoined Charlton on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion this summer and marked his return with a crucial strike. This win makes Charlton the only team in the Championship with three wins from three matches – a feat they haven’t achieved in the second tier for nearly 30 years.
What happened in Southampton’s big win?
While Charlton maintained their perfect record with a tight victory, Southampton produced a more emphatic performance at St Mary’s Stadium. After going behind early to Millwall, the Saints turned the game around dramatically to win 5-1. The result keeps Southampton in strong contention near the top of the table, though they’ve yet to match Charlton’s perfect start.
WHAT WE KNOW — AND WHAT WE DON’T
Verified by the source:
- Charlton have won all three of their opening Championship matches
- Karlan Grant scored his first goal since returning to Charlton
- This is Charlton’s best second-tier start since 1992-93
Still unconfirmed:
- Whether Charlton can maintain this form throughout the season
- How Preston will recover from their poor start
- The exact significance of Southampton’s big win against Millwall
WHY IT MATTERS
Charlton’s strong start to the Championship season suggests they could be serious promotion contenders this year. After several seasons of struggling in League One, their return to form in the second tier will excite fans hoping for a return to the Premier League. Meanwhile, Southampton’s emphatic win shows they haven’t lost their attacking edge following relegation last season.
WHAT TO WATCH
The next round of Championship fixtures will test whether Charlton can maintain their perfect start and if Southampton can build on their impressive win. The league table is still in its early stages, but these results could prove crucial come the end of the season.