Charlton Athletic moved to the top of the Championship table with a perfect start to the season following a victory over Preston North End. Karlan Grant, in his second spell with the Addicks, scored the lone goal of the match at The Valley, securing the win for Nathan Jones’ side, who remain the only team in the division with a 100 percent record.

Grant celebrated his goal by running to England defender Ezri Konsa, who came through Charlton’s academy alongside the striker. Grant acknowledged Konsa’s encouragement before the game, saying the defender's words motivated him to find the back of the net. He described the goal as a significant moment and praised the team’s momentum early in the campaign.

“It’s amazing, it doesn’t get any better than that. The momentum we have – it’s just incredible,” Grant said. He emphasized the squad’s collective spirit, noting their balance of camaraderie and work ethic. “We have fight and determination. We have a laugh and a joke but when we have to work, we work, and everyone runs for each other,” he added. Grant also acknowledged the role of fans, saying their support had been crucial even amid frustrations due to the game’s stop-start nature.

Preston North End’s manager, Paul Heckingbottom, is under increasing pressure after suffering his third consecutive defeat, leaving his team second from the bottom of the league table. Heckingbottom expressed frustration with his side’s inability to capitalize on opportunities, pointing to a lack of “killer instinct” in attacking areas as a key factor in the loss.

“I’ll be honest – that one hurts,” Heckingbottom said. “We haven’t got that killer instinct at the top end of the pitch and that’s what cost us, because this game is about winning in both boxes.”

Charlton’s victory continues their strong early-season form as they aim to build on their unbeaten run, while Preston face mounting challenges as they seek to reverse their recent slump in results.