It wasn't a happy new year for Charlton after they lost 2-1 to Gillingham.

Joe Aribo’s late header was in vain as goals from Josh Parker and Tom Eaves were enough to condemn Karl Robinson’s men.

The Addicks have taken just three points from a possible 24.

Here are five things we learned…

Joe Aribo was unlucky not to start

Aribo has been a shining light in the Addicks’ horrendous run of form. He scored his first league goal for the club last month and impressed against Portsmouth Blackburn and Blackpool.

But Jake Forster-Caskey’s return to fitness saw the young midfielder drop to the bench.

Aribo replaced Forster-Caskey at half-time and brought power and composure to Charlton’s midfield. His 83rd-minute goal gave Charlton hope.

Forster-Caskey injured his hamstring so Aribo is likely to regain his starting place against Oldham on Saturday.

Leon Best could have played his last game for Charlton 

After the Blackpool game, News Shopper said how Best’s bad luck carried on when he was forced off with a hamstring problem.

And four minutes after coming on at the start of the second-half, he injured the same knee which has had ligament surgery in the past.

Best’s deal runs out at the end of the month, and any lengthy injury is likely to scupper an extended stay.

The new striker will add pace and power

It’s looking increasingly likely that the striker Robinson was talking about in his post-match press conference is Stephy Mavididi. The Arsenal striker impressed during his loan spell last season.

And as News Shopper reported yesterday, Charlton have been interested in loaning Mavididi, who has struggled for game time.

Pace and power is something he’ll definitely add to an out-of-form team.

It was very harsh to boo Naby Sarr

Sarr was at fault for Gillingham’s goals. He was outmuscled by Eaves for the opener, before leaving the big striker completely unmarked for the second.

Eaves looked offside for his strike, but Sarr should’ve been in position to deny him a shooting opportunity.

And Charlton fans started to boo Sarr and demanded Robinson take him off.

Sarr has been fantastic this season - and that should not be forgotten given one very, very poor performance.

Charlton need to stop their slow starts

Charlton have conceded early goals against Peterborough, Southend and Gillingham in recent weeks. They’ve taken just one point from those three games.

The Addicks have only played well when they’ve been behind. They dominated the second-half yesterday, but only because Gillingham sat back.

They must start matches on the front foot to turn their form around.

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