Charlton Athletic’s perfect start to the season came to an end at The Hawthorns, but Tyreece Campbell’s second-half goal ensured Nathan Jones’ side remain unbeaten with a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion.
The Addicks were under sustained pressure for much of the match as West Bromwich Albion controlled possession and territory. The hosts eventually broke through shortly before the hour mark when Callum Styles struck emphatically from distance.
Charlton, who had offered little as an attacking force for long periods, responded 10 minutes later. Miles Leaburn headed Ivan Mesik’s cross into Campbell’s path and the forward finished from close range, firing through a crowded penalty area to secure a point.
West Bromwich Albion made the more assertive start at The Hawthorns, with Felix Horn Myhre heading over inside the opening two minutes before Styles tested his luck from outside the penalty area.
Ousmane Diakite then saw an effort deflected wide after good work from Kareem Tunde, who was making his full debut and proved a lively presence on the right flank. Tunde continued to threaten and pulled a shot wide from distance after 20 minutes.
By then, West Bromwich Albion had established control of the ball. Isaac Price also forced a save from Charlton goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo as the Baggies looked to turn their early dominance into a breakthrough.
However, although the home side created several half-chances, Charlton’s defensive organisation prevented them from producing a clear opening. Jones’ team spent long spells defending deep but remained difficult to break down.
The pattern continued after the interval. Price sent an effort just wide within seconds of the restart as West Bromwich Albion immediately resumed their attacking pressure.
Charlton were pinned back inside their own half, yet Okonkwo’s defence continued to withstand the pressure. The hosts appeared to need an outstanding piece of individual quality to open the scoring, and Styles provided it in the 59th minute.
Half-time substitute Rabby Nzingoula had already drawn an excellent save from Okonkwo before West Bromwich Albion finally found the net. Charlton failed to clear a corner from Price, allowing Styles to rifle a powerful shot into the goal from 18 yards.
The goal ended Styles’ 16-month wait for a goal and reflected West Bromwich Albion’s superiority up to that point. Charlton had been restricted almost entirely to defensive work and had not registered a shot on target.
But the visitors produced an immediate response. They broke forward down the left, where Leaburn met Mesik’s delivery and directed the ball into Campbell’s path. Campbell kept his composure amid a crowd of players and finished to bring Charlton level after 69 minutes.
The equaliser came against the run of play and represented Charlton’s first shot on target, but it changed the momentum of the contest. The visitors enjoyed a spell of pressure following Campbell’s finish before West Bromwich Albion regained control as the match entered its closing stages.
The Baggies pushed for a second goal, but could not find a way through again. They were left frustrated after dominating possession and creating the majority of the attacking opportunities, while Charlton secured a valuable point to preserve their unbeaten record.
West Bromwich Albion’s James Morrison:
To follow…
Charlton’s Nathan Jones:
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