Charlton Athletic secured a 1-0 win against Preston North End to remain the sole undefeated side in the Championship after three matches, moving to the summit of the table with a perfect record intact.
Karlan Grant's strike proved decisive, marking his first goal since returning to the Addicks on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion. The south London club's flawless start represents their best opening to a second-tier campaign since the 1992-93 season, when they also won their first three fixtures.
Nathan Jones made a single alteration to his starting eleven following the previous weekend's triumph at West Ham, bringing in Ivan Mesik to replace Billy Koumetio, who sustained a hamstring injury during the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham. Preston introduced new acquisitions Stanley Mills and Caleb Wiley among the substitutes.
The opening period lacked attacking verve, with Charlton finding it difficult to create space against a disciplined Preston setup. North End fashioned the first genuine opportunity in the 30th minute when Callum Lang failed to direct his header on target from Andrija Vukcevic's cross from the left flank.
Arthur Okonkwo, making his first home appearance following his loan arrival from Wrexham, remained untested in the Charlton goal during the first half. The goalkeeper's opposite number, Daniel Iversen, faced little pressure as the visitors struggled to break down their hosts.
Charlton's defence proved resolute when required, with Amari'i Bell executing crucial defending to neutralise Lang after the Preston forward had initially drifted into a dangerous position. The Addicks finally registered a threatening moment in the 37th minute when Miles Leaburn produced a brave header from a Tyreece Campbell cross that drifted narrowly past the left post.
Grant had the final shooting attempt of the half when his 30-yard free-kick failed to trouble Iversen as the teams headed towards the interval with the score level.
Okonkwo was called into action early in the second period, producing a block to deny Delano Burgzorg. Harry Clarke, who spent the latter half of the previous season on loan at Charlton from Ipswich, sent a right-footed effort wide of the target shortly before the breakthrough arrived.
Grant broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, squeezing a low shot past Iversen after cutting inside the penalty area to improve his angle from substitute Millenic Alli's pass. According to Sky Sports, the goal came from Grant's clinical finish after receiving possession at his feet.
Preston's response was limited, with centre-back Liam Lindsay flicking over from six yards after being located by captain Lewis Gibson. Charlton continued to press for a second goal, with Leaburn blazing over the bar and substitute Alan Mwamba seeing a goalbound effort blocked by the visiting defence.
Referee Tom Reeves overlooked an incident in stoppage time when Grant's shot appeared to strike the arm of Clarke inside the penalty area. Alli forced Iversen into a save, pushing away a fiercely struck effort to his left as Charlton sought to extend their advantage.
Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom introduced Mills for his debut in the closing stages, but the new signing could not alter the trajectory of the match. According to BBC Sport, Preston's poor start to the campaign continued with this defeat, leaving them without a point from their opening three fixtures.
The result underscores the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs early in the 2026-27 season. Charlton's victory follows wins over Derby County and West Ham, establishing them as genuine contenders in the division. Preston, by contrast, have struggled significantly, having also suffered a 5-1 defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, according to ESPN.
The fixture took place at The Valley on 29 August 2026 as part of the Championship's third round of matches, with Charlton's perfect record now positioning them among the early season frontrunners in what promises to be a competitive campaign under the expanded eight-team play-off format introduced for the 2026-27 season.
