Charlton Athletic 1-0 Watford: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Charlton Athletic 1-0 Watford in the Championship on Saturday, 09 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Charlton Athletic secured a surprising 1-0 victory over Watford at home, extending their impressive run of form. The Addicks have now won three consecutive matches, all by a 1-0 scoreline, showcasing their resilience and defensive solidity. The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Harvey Knibbs scored, capitalising on a well-executed move. This result was unexpected given Watford's recent performances, but Charlton's ability to grind out results has been a hallmark of their recent success.

Watford, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their performance, especially after dominating possession. The Hornets have struggled to find consistency, with this loss marking their second defeat in their last five matches. Despite having more of the ball, they failed to convert their dominance into goals, a recurring issue highlighted by their recent results. This defeat will be a setback for Watford as they look to climb the Championship table.

The statistics from the match reveal a game where Watford had the upper hand in possession, holding 57% compared to Charlton's 43%. Despite this, Charlton managed to secure the win, which suggests they were more effective in their use of the ball. The Addicks also had a higher success rate in dribbles at 70%, indicating their ability to navigate through Watford's defense. The most telling statistic, however, was the injury time goal by Charlton, which ultimately decided the match.

Watford's two yellow cards compared to Charlton's one indicate a slightly more aggressive approach from the visitors, but it did not translate into a positive result. The Hornets also had fewer corners, which might suggest a lack of creativity in the final third. Overall, the statistics highlight a game where possession did not equate to victory, and Charlton's efficiency in front of goal was the deciding factor.

The key moment of the match came in the 90+4th minute when Harvey Knibbs scored the winning goal for Charlton. This late strike was a testament to Charlton's persistence and ability to capitalise on opportunities, even in the dying moments of the game. Knibbs' goal was the culmination of a series of substitutions made by Charlton, with the fresh legs making a significant impact.

Earlier in the match, both teams received yellow cards, with Greg Docherty of Charlton and Hector Kyprianou and Kwadwo Baah of Watford being cautioned. These bookings did not significantly alter the flow of the game but added to the tension. Watford made multiple substitutions in an attempt to change the game's momentum, but it was Charlton's late substitution of Knibbs that proved decisive.

Charlton Athletic lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Thomas Kaminski in goal and a back four of Kayne Ramsay, Lloyd Jones, Amari'i Bell, and Josh Edwards. The midfield was anchored by Conor Coventry and Greg Docherty, with Rob Apter, Sonny Carey, and Tyreece Campbell supporting striker Charlie Kelman. The lineup was solid and well-balanced, reflecting their recent form.

The impact of substitutions was crucial, with Harvey Knibbs coming on in the 80th minute and scoring the winning goal. This late change proved to be the difference, highlighting the importance of Charlton's bench strength. The team's ability to maintain their shape and discipline throughout the match, coupled with the timely introduction of fresh legs, was key to their victory.

Watford opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Egil Selvik in goal and a backline of Jeremy Ngakia, Kévin Keben, James Abankwah, and Marc Bola. The midfield trio consisted of Moussa Sissoko, Imrân Louza, and Hector Kyprianou, with Kwadwo Baah, Luca Kjerrumgaard, and Mamadou Doumbia leading the attack. Despite their strong line-up, Watford struggled to break down Charlton's defence.

The Hornets made five substitutions in an attempt to change the game's outcome, but none of these changes had the desired effect. The introduction of players like Nestory Irankunda and Thomas Ince did not provide the spark needed to secure a goal. Watford's inability to convert their possession into meaningful chances was a significant factor in their defeat.

Rob Apter is Coral’s Man of the Match for his outstanding performance against Watford. Despite not scoring or assisting, Apter's contribution was vital, creating one big chance and delivering four key passes throughout the game. His creativity and vision in midfield were instrumental in setting up opportunities for his teammates, ultimately leading to Charlton's late victory.

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 1-0 vs Watford (H) - Championship

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Charlton Athletic (A) - Championship

Charlton Athletic sit in 6th place with 3 points after their 1-0 win over Watford. They face Bristol City, in 1st place with 3 points, on August 16, 2025, at 15:00. This victory, driven by Harvey Knibbs’ late goal and a solid defensive display, boosts their confidence. Charlton will aim to maintain their defensive resilience while improving their attacking output against a strong Bristol City side to continue their early momentum.

Bristol City V Charlton Athletic - Game Week 2 Championship

Watford are in 22nd place with 0 points after their 1-0 loss to Charlton. They take on QPR, in 12th place with 1 point, on August 16, 2025, at 15:00. Their possession dominance (58%) but failure to score highlights the need to sharpen their finishing and address defensive lapses to turn their fortunes around in the Championship.

Watford V QPR - Championship Game Week 2

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