Charlton go top as Alli's assist sinks Preston | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Charlton Athletic beat Preston North End 1-0 at the Valley. Karlan Ahearne-Grant struck the winner in the 56th minute, guiding a left-footed finish into the bottom right from Millenic Alli's cross. The half time introduction of Alli tilted the game, with the forward injecting pace and supply that unlocked the visitors' back five. Preston managed just one shot on target from 12 attempts, while Charlton controlled long spells of territory. Charlton rise from sixth to first with three wins from three and visit West Bromwich Albion next, while Preston remain 23rd after three straight defeats and host Bristol City next.

Player of the Match: Millenic Alli changed the tempo off the bench, creating the decisive goal, delivering two key passes and two attempts, and registering his first Charlton assist.

Stat of the Match: Preston registered one shot on target, underlining how rarely they tested Arthur Okonkwo.

Three Things We Learned: Charlton are three wins from three and now lead the Championship after climbing from sixth to first. Alli's impact as a half time substitute was immediate, providing the assist and adding two key passes to stretch the visitors. Lloyd Jones anchored the defence with eight aerials won and seven clearances, helping limit Preston to a single effort on target.