Charlton’s poor run of form continued as they lost 2-0 against Blackburn on Saturday.
Danny Graham’s injury-time header ended the contest after Leon Best’s own goal had given Rovers the lead.
The Addicks have now suffered three defeats in four league games.
Here are five things we learned…
Billy Clarke adds to Charlton’s injury woes
In his post-match interview, Karl Robinson said he was “really worried” about Billy Clarke’s injury. The Irish attacker was substituted with a knee problem in the first-half.
Clarke only returned to first-team action last week following a calf injury, but this latest setback looks to be very serious.
He played a huge role in Charlton’s strong start to the season - and once again - he’ll be missed. He now joins Ahmed Kashi, Tariqe Fosu, Ricky Holmes and Patrick Bauer on the sidelines.
Ben Reeves showed his undoubted quality
One positive on the day was Reeves putting in his best performance in a Charlton shirt. He had two golden opportunities to bring the Addicks level. He should've done better with his first effort and his second attempt was superbly saved by Rovers goalkeeper David Raya.
He was Charlton’s most creative and threatening player yesterday, and with Clarke’s injury, the number 10 spot is Reeves’ to lose.
And Robinson will hope the former MK Dons man can kick on now.
Charlton will be looking over their shoulders
Robinson will never rule out a top-two finish, and despite his side’s poor form, he still has Wigan and Shrewsbury in his sights.
A better goal difference is keeping the Addicks in the top six with seventh-placed Portsmouth breathing down their necks.
The festive fixtures favour Pompey, so Charlton need to get back to winning ways against Blackpool and Southend.
Leon Best had a day to forget
Just three minutes after replacing Clarke, Best headed into his own net to give his former club the lead.
Blackburn paid £3m for the striker in 2012, and he endured an injury-ravaged time at Ewood Park. He was greeted with a chorus of boos from the home fans, and failed to silence his critics.
Best showed glimpses of what he can do, but needs to start scoring soon if he wants to earn a new deal in SE7.
If it (somehow) wasn’t clear before… attacking reinforcements are needed in January
Clarke’s injury looks long-term, while Holmes and Fosu are set to return before 2018.
But Charlton still need to bring in at least another winger and two strikers.
Best still doesn't look 100 per cent match-fit and Josh Magennis is in desperate need of a rest.
And two new number nines would address the shortage up front. Get the business done early next month and the Addicks will be a force again.
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