Charlton top Championship as Southampton erase points deduction with emphatic win

Charlton Athletic moved to the top of the Championship table with a 1-0 victory over Preston North End, maintaining a perfect start to the season. Karlan Grant’s first goal since returning on a free transfer secured the three points for the south London club.

This marks the first time the club has won its opening three second-tier matches since the 1992-93 campaign. Manager Nathan Jones tempered promotion expectations, noting that while nine points is a "big haul", the squad must remain grounded as they prepare to face West Brom.

The day’s most significant shift in the standings occurred as Southampton dismantled previously unbeaten Millwall 5-1. The comprehensive victory, featuring two goals from Cyle Larin and strikes from Finn Azaz, Leo Scienza, and Tom Fellows, officially wiped out the club’s four-point deduction related to the Spygate controversy.

Wolverhampton Wanderers sit second after recovering from an early deficit to defeat Stoke City 4-1. Sam Gallagher’s remarkable 25-yard strike initially stunned the home side, but Rodrigo Gomes scored twice in three minutes before half-time to shift the momentum entirely.

Raúl Jiménez converted a penalty and Jordan James scored on his home debut to seal the Wolves victory, underscoring the squad depth required for a sustained promotion challenge. Elsewhere, West Ham United remained winless after a 1-1 draw at Watford, raising early questions about their campaign trajectory.

Swansea City moved into third place with a 3-0 victory over Derby County, while Queens Park Rangers also accumulated seven points following a 2-1 comeback win at Blackburn Rovers. Middlesbrough continued their strong form with a 3-1 home victory over West Brom, driven by Will Lankshear’s two goals, taking his tally to six in five games since his summer arrival from Tottenham.

Lincoln City secured their first second-tier victory in 65 years, defeating Bolton Wanderers 1-0 through a Ben House goal. At the other end of the table, Cardiff City and Sheffield United played out a 2-2 draw, leaving both clubs searching for their first win of the campaign.