Preston North End 2-0 Charlton Athletic: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes' post-match review of Preston North End 2-0 Charlton Athletic in the Championship on Saturday, 04 October 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Preston North End put on a solid display at home, securing a 2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic. The win was no surprise given their recent form, which included a draw against Hull City and a win against Derby County. The key moments came in the second half with goals in the 67th and 80th minutes, which sealed the deal for Preston. This result extends their unbeaten run and keeps them in good spirits, especially after a couple of draws in their last few games.

Charlton Athletic, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm away from home. Despite a decent run of form with a win against Blackburn Rovers and a draw against Derby County, they couldn't break through Preston's defense. The loss breaks their recent momentum and leaves them searching for answers. It was a tough day at the office for Charlton, but they'll need to regroup quickly for their next challenge.

The statistics from the match largely reflect Preston North End's dominance. With 56% possession and three corners, they controlled the game's tempo and created more scoring opportunities. Charlton Athletic, despite having a higher successful dribble percentage at 44%, couldn't convert their chances into goals. The two yellow cards for Charlton also indicate a bit of frustration on their part, which might have played a role in their inability to mount a comeback.

The turning point of the match came in the 67th minute when Preston North End scored their first goal. This broke the deadlock and put Charlton on the back foot, forcing them to chase the game. The second goal in the 80th minute sealed the victory for Preston, showcasing their ability to capitalise on opportunities late in the game. These two goals were crucial in determining the outcome, as they not only secured the win but also highlighted Preston's clinical finishing.

Preston North End lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while also pushing players forward. The standout performer was Thierry Small, who contributed significantly with a goal. The four substitutions made by Preston suggest they had the luxury of managing the game's tempo and keeping their players fresh. Overall, the lineup and formation worked well, as evidenced by their control of the match and the final result.

Charlton Athletic opted for a 5-3-2 formation, aiming to balance defense and attack. However, despite making five substitutions, they couldn't find the breakthrough needed to change the game's outcome. The lineup didn't produce the desired impact, as they struggled to create meaningful chances against Preston's defense. It was a disappointing day for Charlton, and they'll need to reassess their approach moving forward.

Thierry Small earns the title of Ladbrokes' Man of the Match for his standout performance against Charlton Athletic. Scoring a crucial goal in the 67th minute, Small played a pivotal role in securing the victory for Preston North End. His two key passes also highlight his ability to influence the game beyond just scoring, making him a deserving recipient of this accolade.

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 2-0 vs Charlton Athletic (H)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Hull City (A)

• Draw: 0-0 vs Bristol City (H)

• Win: 1-0 vs Derby County (A)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Middlesbrough (H)

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Preston North End (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Derby County (A)

• Win: 3-0 vs Blackburn Rovers (H)

• Win: 1-0 vs Sheffield United (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Millwall (H)

Sitting comfortably in 4th place with 16 points, Preston North End will face West Bromwich Albion, who are in 7th with 14 points, on October 18, 2025 at 15:00. This recent win will boost their confidence as they prepare to take on a strong West Brom side. They'll look to maintain their momentum and solidify their position in the top half of the table.

With a new league position of 12th and 12 points, Charlton Athletic will take on Sheffield Wednesday, who are struggling in 23rd with just 6 points, on October 18, 2025 at 15:00. This loss might prompt them to make some tactical adjustments as they aim to bounce back against a team fighting at the bottom of the table.

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