Charlton Athletic moved to the top of the Championship table with a 1-0 victory over Preston North End on Saturday. Karlan Grant scored the decisive goal, his first since rejoining the club on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion, to maintain Charlton's 100% record after three matches.
This marks the first time Charlton have won their opening three second-tier matches since the 1992-93 campaign, a significant turnaround from finishing 19th last season with 53 points. The win pushes them clear at the summit, a position they will aim to defend in their next fixture away to West Bromwich Albion on September 2nd.
How did Karlan Grant make the difference?
Karlan Grant's moment arrived to break the deadlock against a struggling Preston side. The forward, who returned to The Valley this summer, found the net to secure all three points. His goal was a timely reminder of his quality and provided the narrow margin required in a tight contest. Grant's reintroduction to the squad adds a proven goalscoring threat as Charlton look to build on their strong start, which has already seen them score 44 goals this season.
What does this perfect start mean for Charlton?
Winning three consecutive matches to begin a Championship season is a rare feat for the club, last achieved over three decades ago. It represents a dramatic shift in momentum from the previous campaign, where they conceded 58 goals and finished 42 points behind the champions. The current form suggests a team playing with confidence and efficiency. Manager and players will be keen to maintain this rhythm as they navigate a challenging division. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges on our dedicated standings and fixtures pages.
What else happened in the Championship this weekend?
The weekend's action, reported by The Guardian Football, saw significant results across the league. Southampton hammered previously perfect Millwall 5-1 at St Mary's, with Mark Sykes giving Millwall an early lead before a collapse. Cyle Larin scored twice for Saints, with Finn Azaz, Leo Scienza from the penalty spot, and Tom Fellows, netting his first for the club, completing the rout.
Wolves remain unbeaten and sit second after a 4-1 comeback win over Stoke City at Molineux. Sam Gallagher stunned the home crowd with a 25-yard strike in the second minute, but Rodrigo Gomes scored twice in three minutes before halftime to turn the tide. Raúl Jiménez added a penalty after 55 minutes, and substitute Jordan James capped the win with a goal on his home debut six minutes from time.
Swansea City also stayed unbeaten with a 3-0 win against Derby County, moving third with seven points. Joseph Opoku, Eom Ji-sung, and Ronald scored the goals. Queens Park Rangers earned a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers.
What's next for the league leaders?
Charlton's immediate focus shifts to preserving their lead at the top. The next test is a trip to The Hawthorns to face West Brom, who currently sit 21st. Maintaining this early pace will be key, especially after a previous season where defensive issues were a concern. The squad's depth and current form will be examined over the coming weeks, with details on player availability found on our injuries page. For now, the club can enjoy a rare and promising position at the summit of English football's second tier.
