Talking points from Charlton Athletic 1 Oxford United 0 - clinical Kelman produces top-quality strike, Leaburn leads line in style and a super-impressive statistic

Addicks head into Christmas schedule with a big result that pulls them clear of the Championship bottom three

Charlie Kelman celebrates his goal/Picture: Keith Gillard

SPROUT OF DANGER

Am I going to make all my talking points Christmas themed? Quite possibly.

There is no better place to start than just pointing out this was a timely win for Charlton Athletic.

The point at Birmingham City felt a step in the right direction but only if the south Londoners followed up with a victory against Oxford United - their last home match of 2025.

And Charlie Kelman’s excellent goal settled the match in the hosts’ favour.

The victory - Charlton’s first since November 4 - opened up an eight-point gap to the bottom three. The Addicks also have a game in hand on Oxford United and Norwich City, who occupy 22nd and 23rd position respectively in the table plus a superior goal difference.

Saturday’s match had plenty of pressure on it and looked on paper to be the easiest fixture of the Christmas schedule.