Charlton Athletic player ratings - 'Phenomenal' 10/10s and 'wow factor' 9 as Birmingham City stunned

Charlton Athletic ended a run of three defeats by stunning League One leaders Birmingham City at The Valley on Satuday afternoon.

Despite the mismatch in form, the Addicks started unfazed by the visitors with a lively opening 10 minutes. Karoy Anderson enjoyed freedom in midfield, poking a through ball into the path of Daniel Kanu, who easily shrugged off Krystian Bielik but couldn't square to the onrushing Matty Godden.

It didn't take too long for the Blues' quality to show, Alex Cochrane coming close after a cleverly worked corner as the Addicks dealt with a string of set plays in short succession. A frantic start to the clash did calm as the encounter headed towards the break, the home side looking the most likely to land the fatal blow despite not dominating possession, Allan Campbell keeping Ryan Allsop on his toes with a dangerous shot from distance.

The best chance of the match, and likely Kanu's season, came minutes before the break as the forward nimbly swooped on a moment of Birmingham City defensive sloppiness to steal back possession. The 19-year-old rounded Allsop but couldn't poke into a open net - a golden chance despite a tight angle. Unbelievably, the Blues keeper passed the ball straight into the Charlton man's path just moments later but Kanu again couldn't get his feet sorted quick enough to pounce.

Feeling the need for change, Chris Davies made a trio of substitutions at half-time but those new faces couldn’t deter Charlton Athletic momentum. The deserved breakthrough came less than 10 minutes in the second half as the lively Godden was the most alert in the box to fire home from a dangerous Josh Edwards long throw.

Any risk of Birmingham City coming back into the game was countered by Jones turning to Tyreece Campbell and Chuks Aneke from the bench, the duo relentless up top to help the side keep all three points in South East London. Here’s how the Charlton Athletic players rated.

GK - Will Mannion, 8

Most of his work came in batting away Birmingham City set plays and crosses, which he did confidently.

LB - Josh Edwards, 8

His dangerous long throw was the moment of quality the Addicks needed. Not as busy as Ramsay on the other side but hard to fault today.

CB - Lloyd Jones, 10

Spoke about his love for clean sheets in the matchday programme today and he’ll have loved that. This famously expensive Birmingham City attack is hard to keep out - only Fulham have managed this season - but Jones led a comfortable Charlton Athletic defence in stoic manner.

CB - Alex Mitchell, 10

Mr. right place, right time today. Phenomenal alongside Jones as the visitors were frustrated.

RB - Kayne Ramsay, 9

Showed real quality today. Moments of ‘wow factor’ as he carried the ball forward from defence with confidence and sound defensively, sticking a vital toe out in the box to end a promising Birmingham City move around the 50 minute mark.

CDM - Conor Coventry, 8

Perhaps the only Addicks midfielder who didn’t quite meet the high energy start Jones had clearly demanded. Did grow into the game with some neat moments of vision in a busy display.

CDM - Greg Docherty, 7

A bulldogish performance in midfield, as has become trademark for the summer signing.

CAM - Karoy Anderson, 8

A lot to like about the 20-year-old today. Enjoyed freedom in midfield and was full of energy and good ideas, that final pass just needs to improve.

CAM - Allan Campbell, 8

His afternoon can be summarised by a hefty but clean challenge on Bielik before half time that The Valley loved.

ST - Matty Godden, 8

The difference maker in the end. Took his goal really well, showcasing his strength before netting with a poacher’s finish.

ST - Daniel Kanu, 8

Really quite brilliant today. The 19-year-old missed two golden opportunities before the break but to do that and still receive the ovation he did when subbed in the second half shows how much he brought to the game. Had the Birmingham City defence on toast with his pace and strength in a really determined performance.

SUB - Tyreece Campbell, 9

Can’t ask from much more from the sub. Hugely impressive as he helped see the game, the Blues having to put energy into dealing with the pacey forward rather than building their own moves.

Joined Campbell in giving his side exactly what Nathan Jones will have asked from him in the closing stages.

SUB - Thierry Small, N/A

SUB - Luke Berry, N/A