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Charlton Athletic put in a dominant performance at Rochdale, coming away 2-0 victors at Spotland.
The game started at a frantic pace with Charlton’s attacking play paying dividends in the seventh minute when Chucks Aneke opened the scoring with a neat turn and shot.
Rochdale’s main threat came from the combination play of Ryan McLaughlin and Stephen Dooley on the right wing, but the Addicks continued to successfully contain them.
Liam Millar then struck the bar on 13 minutes before another corner doubled Charlton’s advantage midway through the half as Deji Oshilaja poked home after a scramble in the Rochdale box.
And it should have been 3-0 before half-time as Andrew Shinnie hit the post as Charlton utterly dominated.
The second-half saw Rochdale attack the left wing more frequently with Kwadwo Baah beginning to frustrate the Charlton players with his runs.
But Charlton managed to keep their hosts at arms length for a win which moves them back into the top six.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Perhaps a little clichéd, but the opening goal set the tone for the remainder of the first-half, settling Charlton into a rhythm that Rochdale couldn’t contend with.
Moan of the Match
Charlton struggled to deal with the mazy runs of Kwadwo Baah – fortunately for the Addicks, Rochdale barely utilised him in the opening half.
Talking Point
Charlton channelled their aggression into determination and domination; the total opposite of their defeat at Hull City last month that was their undoing.
Man of the Match
Chuks Aneke – the Rochdale defence found him unplayable, particularly in the opening 45 minutes as the forward turned a half chance into a goal.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Thomas Bramall (South Yorkshire) – little to debate other than a weak penalty claim and to separate a brief coming together between Darren Pratley and Kwadwo Baah.
Atmosphere
Having played out a 4-4 draw in the reverse fixture, and the pre-match 90s indie tunes, could the anticipation have been any greater?
Verdict
Charlton’s fast, attacking play in the first half, going in 2-0 at half time proved enough to give the Addicks a much needed win following Tuesday night’s disappointing defeat.
