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.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Real Madrid vs Al Hilal With the score at 10-0 against Auckland City, Manuel Neuer started doing warm-up exercises in the middle of the field... lol International Trophies It's been a year since Kylian Mbappé broke his nose at the Euros. We never got to see the mask everyone wanted to see "A competition without Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal & Bar...
Chelsea have kicked off their Club World Cup campaign, but behind the scenes there is still serious transfer work going on.While Enzo Maresca trains his players in the USA, the transfer team are getting to work on helping build his squad.Gittens still wants Chelsea – Chelsea still want GittensThe attempts to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens before the tournament failed, but it's c...
Arsenal are in the mix to complete a surprise deal for former Manchester City player Aymeric Laporte, with a report detailing how much he will cost to sign from Al-Nassr this summer.Laporte first arrived in England in January 2018 when Man City broke their transfer record by paying Athletic Club £57million to sign him on a five-and-a-half-year contract. The centre-back went on to make 180 app...
Rafael Leao, Nico Williams, Bradley Barcola and Eberechi Eze are among Bayern Munich's potential targets after missing out on the signing of Bayer Leverkusen starlet Florian Wirtz, sources told ESPN.Wirtz, who is currently on holiday following the UEFA Nations League finals, is set to soon complete his transfer to Liverpool, after ESPN reported last week that the Premier League champions had agree...
Man Utd and Napoli show interest in Hudson-OdoiCallum Hudson-Odoi, who joined Nottingham Forest from Chelsea in 2023, has only a year left in his existing deal. The winger had an impressive outing in the 2024-25 campaign and played a key role in the club securing a European place after 30 years away from continental competition. The 24-year-old scored five goals and provided three assists in 36 ga...
Pablo Marin of Spain and Issa Doumbia of Italy battle for the ballSpain and Italy played out a 1-1 draw in their final group game of the UEFA European U21 Championship, ensuring both nations completed it without defeat (W2, D1).With passage to the quarter-finals already sealed for both nations, this matchup was purely a fight for top spot, and it was the Spaniards who edged proceedings in the earl...
Thomas Frank was chosen among 30 candidates for the Tottenham jobTottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham has revealed that Thomas Frank was chosen among more than 30 other candidates to succeed Ange Postecoglou as manager.Tottenham chose Thomas Frank as their new head coach last week, and were made to pay London rivals Brentford 310million in the process as Franks appointment was published only days after...
Saudi clubs prepare huge bids for Tottenham captain KaneTottenham captain Son Heung-min has attracted interest from three Saudi Pro League clubs ahead of a potential summer move.The South Korea international has just 12 months remaining on his current Spurs deal and has been linked with a move away, with the North London club reportedly open to selling him this summer to cash in on the experienced...
And just like that, the transfer window is closed.Now depending on where you've been for the past few weeks, you might be asking yourself two questions:1. Is that a "Sex and the City" reference? 2. Wait, what?To the first question: Of course it is. Bring back Samantha.And to the second: With the Club World Cup kicking off this past weekend and set to stretch all the way through mid-July, FIFA gave...
LaLiga president Tebas: Barcelona cannot register Garcia - for nowLaLiga president Javier Tebas has warned Barcelona must sell to register Joan Garcia.Barca have agreed to pay goalkeeper Garcia's €25m buyout clause in his Espanyol contract.However, Tebas insists the Blaugrana do not have room in their registered budget to sign Garcia at this stage.He said, "We haven't even set dates yet, but...
- 1 DONE DEAL: Marseille confirm CJ Egan-Riley signing from Burnley
- 2 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 3 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 4 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 5 PSG vs Atletico Madrid Prediction 16 June 2025
- 6 Laura Woods gives update on post-pregnancy body
- 7 Real Madrid eye a trio of targets
- 8 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN
- 9 'If you want to understand, it's really obvious' – USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino responds to Christian Pulisic, eager to move past off-field drama
- 10 Tottenham make 'mega £70m bid for Bryan Mbeumo' as Man Utd fear hijack