More like the old Charlton

A cracking end-to-end game full of chances and good football, and more importantly a clear return to the old Charlton virtues of passion and desire. Question marks still remain over certain players eg. Rommedahl, but overall it was a much more promising performance against a Newcastle side that looked nervous defensively but dangerous going forward. On more than one occasion (including the goal as it happens), we failed to make a proper connection with gilt-edged chances, the most agonising being Holland's bobbled shot against the post in the dying moments, though Bartlett's initial effort was a great chance that should also have been buried. It was pleasing to see Danny Murphy finally show what he is capable of, putting in a great shot as well as making several telling forays forward.

All-in-all we can head to Anfield confident that a repeat of last season's win is not out of the question, and knowing that in a mediocre league we are able to compete with all but the top two (which frankly is proof of the mediocrity, rather than any great compliment to us).