--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-09-22T18:11:40.014Z last_updated: 2026-09-20T08:40:18+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/charlton-athletic/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmV3c3Nob3BwZXIuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvMjY1NjU0MjYuY2hhcmx0b24tYm9zcy1qb25lcy1zaG9ja2VkLWVtYmFycmFzc2VkLWNhcmRpZmYtZGVmZWF0Lz9yZWY9cnNz --- # Charlton boss Jones "shocked" and "embarrassed" by Cardiff defeat - **Source:** - **Published:** 20 Sept - **Club:** Charlton Athletic - **Original URL:** https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/26565426.charlton-boss-jones-shocked-embarrassed-cardiff-defeat/?ref=rss “Cardiff outworked us, out-battled us and they were stronger and more aggressive, which I think is unacceptable for our team,” said Jones. “Then they passed the ball better, they had more shots, more possession, more everything. It’s a tough one to take.” If the 3-1 scoreline was less damaging than the previous 4-0 pasting at Stoke City, that was mainly due to Addicks goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and an array of missed chances by the home side. As before Charlton fell behind early and soon conceded again. While Tyreece Campbell’s fifth goal of the season narrowed the half-time deficit and they might even have equalised through Karlan Grant, their fate was effectively sealed by a third for Cardiff on the hour mark. Jones said he would have substituted nine players if he could, exempting only Okonkwo and front man Miles Leaburn from criticism. The two summer signings that he did take off at half-time – uncertain looking central half Tyler Bindon and defensively vulnerable wide man Millenic Alli - were obvious choices. But Kenyan recruit Timothy Ouma, who came on in midfield having started at Stoke, was even worse. The 22-year-old cannot fairly or sensibly be written off after just 120 minutes of Championship football, but he has yet to persuade Charlton fans that he can contribute at this level. Despite having managed only four points in their seven league games since promotion, Cardiff were able to pass their way through the visitors at will during the opening half. Jack Moylan was able to exploit a large gap in the centre of the Charlton defence to beat Okonkwo from ten yards after just eight minutes, dummying Lloyd Jones and collecting a pass from Youssef Salech before firing home as Bindon slid in too late. The summer signing from Lincoln City then turned provider on 24 minutes, picking out Salech with his back to goal. Bindon was right behind the striker but could not prevent him turning to his left and poking home. Minutes earlier Okonkwo had tipped a low Chris Willock effort away. Charlton had a goal back on 29 minutes when Campbell raced on to a fine Bindon through ball, slotting past the emerging Nathan Trott and low inside the right-hand post. Unlike his similar strike against Queens Park Rangers ten day earlier, this one stood. However, a further Moylan effort rolled only just wide after a Lloyd Jones challenge two minutes later, Joel Colwill missed a close-range sitter and Okonkwo completed his half’s work by getting down to stop another shot from the unmarked Salech. The home side could have had four or five already, but remarkably Charlton seemed set to equalise early in the second half when a deflection put Karlan Grant through on the right. However, he opted to try to beat Trott at his near post and only found the side netting. Charlton’s forward forays were rare, however, and while Amari’l Bell’s introduction to a now five-man back line had added some resilience, Cardiff continued to look more likely to score. Moylan effectively sealed victory on 61 minutes with a tremendous finish from the edge of the penalty area that went in off the frame of the goal, but questions remained about Conor Coventry's and Ouma’s failure to close him down. Charlie Kelman should then have pulled a goal back with his first involvement after replacing Coventry on 70 minutes, when he was put clear by Grant. However, the Charlton striker could only poke an unconvincing effort at the onrushing Trott. By the end Cardiff had managed 27 shots to Charlton’s eight, and while only eight were on target, it was an accurate measure of their superiority. The Addicks have now gone five league games without a win, scoring just two goals, and while their overall record going into the three-week international break remains creditable, the trajectory is disturbing. Injuries to key players have certainly played a part, so a late cameo from key defender Josh Edwards, missing since September last year, was a rare bright spot.