Charlton manager Nathan Jones says that Krystian Bielik’s comments that Birmingham are “too good” for Sky Bet League One acted as extra motivation as they inflicted a first defeat on the leaders at The Valley.
The Blues came into the contest on a seven-match winning streak in League One but they could have absolutely no complaints about the outcome – with their south-east London opponents completely nullifying their vaunted attack.
Daniel Kanu failed to take a couple of big chances in the first half, including Birmingham keeper Ryan Allsop passing straight to the striker inside the penalty area.
Charlton made the breakthrough in the 54th minute when Matty Godden twisted to turn home Josh Edward’s long throw.
Asked about Bielik’s statement, Jones said: “It gave us an extra bit of motivation. I would tend to probably agree with him – but it’s very naive to come out and say that when you’re coming into a big game.
“If I believed I was one of the best-looking guys in south-east London, I’m not sure I would say that going into a beauty contest.
“It was an outstanding performance. Professional, aggressive and front-footed. I had a result when I was at Southampton, against Man City, where it was the first time they didn’t have a shot on target in seven years. It ranks alongside that type of performance.
“We showed today when we’re at it that we’re a good side.
“We brought him (Godden) in – and spent a lot of money on him – and he is quality. That is what he brings. We lost Alfie May, so we had to replace those goals.
“We believe we have done that with Matty Godden.”
Birmingham did not have a shot on target as their longest winning run since 1946 was ended.
Blues boss Chris Davies said: “We weren’t at our normal level. We lacked a little bit of our normal energy, zip and fluency throughout.
“The three games in the eight days caught up with us a little bit and we suffered a little bit. Charlton also had that, so it’s not an excuse.
“We had an element of control with possession but could never translate that into meaningful chances or dangerous situations. In the end you leave yourself open to a sucker punch set-piece or a moment – that is what happened.
“It was a soft goal. You can’t let that ball bounce or the opposition to swivel and volley it in. They are moments that happen if you don’t attack well enough or do enough with the ball.
“In the first half we were playing backwards too much. They were man-to-man pressing us. Their job was to try and stop us, rather than do too much with the ball themselves. They did a good job of trying to stop us playing.
“When we broke through that press and go to their backline, we didn’t have our normal combinations or accelerations we have in the final third to look like we were going to create a chance.
“It is painful to lose but you grow from defeat – that’s what we’ve got to do.”
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