Aston Villa 2 v 0 Charlton Ath.

Barclays Premiership

IAIN Dowie is backing Charlton to arrest their slump after the Addicks slipped to defeat at Villa Park, writes Gary Haines.

Dowie watched rejuvenated Villa score in each half to continue their unbeaten start to the season under new boss Martin O'Neill.

Gabriel Agbonlahor stole in from the right flank to volley Villa in front 11 minutes before the break.

And, after Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink saw his drive in the opening moments of the second period beaten away, Luke Moore surged down the middle to add a second in the 62nd minute.

It leaves the Addicks without an away win in the Premiership since October last year and five defeats in six games this season makes pretty grim reading.

Dowie said: "We've had a disappointing start to the season but we have to get on with it and try and dig ourselves out of this hole.

"I thought in the first half we played very well. We passed the ball around well and made Villa defend for their lives at times.

"What was disappointing for me was when the second goal went in we didn't show the desire and ability to pass the ball around.

"We had some great opportunities, the best opportunities of the game but we haven't taken them.

"And in the end we haven't made Sorensen and their back four really defend for their lives late in the game. This is what we must do."