Charlton 0 Portsmouth 1

Another enjoyable game, and in terms of quality, the best I have seen for a while. Most of this was down to Portsmouth who look the part. I could see them pushing for the top six which is about the maximum expectation for anyone outside the 4 big nobs. After an early scare when both of the Bent brothers struck the woodwork inside the first minute, James didn't have a save to make. He and Campbell have plenty left in the tank on today's performance, and should prove to be excellent signings. Mwurani looked lively and Kanu, who I've never seen play before, has so much time on the ball it's uncanny. The visitors should have been at least one up by half-time, but not to worry as Lua-Lua squeezed in the winner from 20 yards. I did think that Carson ought to have saved it.

Charlton, by contrast, looked flat. A bold 4-3-3 formation, with Ambrose and Rommedahl part of the 3-man midfield, was maybe too adventurous and Dowie had little alternative but to sacrifice Marcus Bent (who was perhaps unfortunate to get the hook) at half time. After that, they did manage to restrict Portsmouth more effectively, but still offered next to nothing going forward. Basically if you stop Darren Bent from getting in behind you, you're sorted as far as I can see. Dowie's comment that Portsmouth scored from their only attempt on target in the second half was a good attempt to spin away the fact that I don't remember Charlton hitting the target all day. I just checked Betfair for a price for relegation, but 2.4 doesn't appeal too much given that I think Watford and Sheffield United are virtual shoe-ins. Nonetheless it could be a very long winter in South East London.

Meanwhile, speaking of relegation and long winters, a dreadful result for QPR today. Next week's game at home to Hull is about as big as it can be in September. For all the good intentions and talk, Rangers need to start winning games and quickly.