'Addicks as accommodating as ever'

When backs are against the wall and a club is in turmoil on and off the pitch, who is the perfect team to face to lift your spirits?

Answer: Charlton Athletic.

We have been the most accommodating club for years. Whoever the personnel, it seems to be in our DNA.

Watford were on the ropes going into Saturday's game, having conceded nine goals in their previous two matches. So why didn't we attack them with gusto, score first and turn Vicarage Road toxic?

Answer: because we're Charlton Athletic.

Stoke City and Cardiff City have also used victories against us to kick-start their seasons. We seem to specialise in helping struggling opponents find their feet.

It was a dreadful, lacklustre performance. Both goals were poor from our perspective, while Watford will be delighted to record their first clean sheet of the season.

We simply don't create enough, and the midfield is becoming a growing concern.

It is hard to understand how Oliver Skipp (pictured), previously praised by Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, can look so ineffective. At Tottenham, he earned lengthy contracts, while his loan spell at Norwich City saw him help them win the Championship and earn a place in the 2021 PFA Team of the Year.

Where has that player gone?

Should we give Alan Mwamba and Harvey Knibbs extended runs to freshen things up?

One thing is certain: we desperately need Nathaniel Chalobah back to drive us forward in midfield, although his fitness remains a concern. Miles Leaburn needs a rest and, frankly, Karlan Grant must offer more.

Nathan Jones admitted we failed to take the game to Watford. Against opponents struggling for confidence, our lethargy and lack of energy were unacceptable.

Jones also criticised Conor Coventry after his role in the build-up to the first goal, having previously singled him out for conceding a penalty against Bristol City.

One win in eight has seen us tumble from top after three games to 17th.

We are four points worse off than at the same stage last season, and summer recruitment is coming under scrutiny. Difficult games now await us.

Jones has plenty of credit in the bank with me. Only relegation would change my mind. Given our budget, he may still be our greatest asset.

We had momentum after that 96th-minute equaliser at Burnley. We must learn to harness it.

As Coventry says, we need to stick together. This week on the training ground is crucial.