Charlton Athletic continued their unbeaten run at The Valley this season, securing a 0-0 draw against Portsmouth in a Championship fixture that, while lacking goals, offered plenty of excitement, especially after the interval. The home side dominated the first half, creating the more promising opportunities to break the deadlock.
In the 32nd minute, Millenial Alli, who spent the latter part of last season on loan with Portsmouth, found himself on the end of a perfect left‑wing cross from Tyreece Campbell. He volleyed the ball from close range, only to see it sail over the bar.
Earlier, Portsmouth keeper Daniel Bielica had used his legs to fend off a powerful strike from Karlan Grant that was heading towards his near post. The visitors, who entered the match having scored in their previous eleven away league games, failed to register a single shot on target before the break. Charlton’s goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was called into action early, extending a leg in the 15th minute to block a low cut‑back from Terry Devlin after a slick move. Later, Conor Shaughnessy rescued the Addicks when he cleared a ball that had been headed back into a dangerous area by loanee Tyler Bindon.
Alli, who was jeered by the traveling Portsmouth fans each time he touched the ball, enjoyed his final chance of the half, unleashing a 20‑yard effort that was straight‑away saved by Bielica. The second half began with Okonkwo having to dive low to his left to make a fingertip save from Abu Kamara just 20 seconds after the restart.
Portsmouth appeared fresher after a full week’s preparation, while Charlton, who had drawn 0-0 with QPR three days earlier, began to show signs of fatigue. Referee Andrew Kitchen dismissed a penalty appeal from Portsmouth left‑back Jayden Meghoma, who claimed Alli had pulled his arm. Oliver Skipp then made a fine recovery tackle, sliding to dispossess Adrian Segecic on the edge of the box after Bindon lost possession. Segecic’s effort from inside the area was weak, and later Colby Bishop failed to convert a close‑range sliding finish from a cross by Ryan Kavuma‑McQueen in the 81st minute.
As the clock wound down, Charlton dug deeper into their bench. Conor Coventry curled a ball in from a short corner that was played across the edge of the area.
Shaughnessy produced a vital defensive block from a Karlan Grant shot, and the home crowd appealed loudly for a penalty when Miles Leaburn went down after a challenge with Benjamin Arthur. Post‑match, Charlton manager Nathan Jones praised his side’s performance: "The first half was really good – we created several excellent chances, looked a real threat and controlled the game. Compared with last season’s encounter, this was a completely different display.
Our midfield duo were outstanding and our wide players added real width. We had a clear‑cut opportunity – if we had converted Millenial Alli’s three‑yard chance, the match would have been very different.
Karlan Grant also had a great chance. It was an end‑to‑end game with two committed teams. Portsmouth beat us twice last season, so today’s result is an improvement.
Overall the level was there, we kept a clean sheet and are seeing partnerships develop. We want our injured players back – Charlie Kelman is already back, and we hope Josh Edwards returns next week. After the international break we’ll be stronger; the five defenders have been playing continuously since the Tottenham game, and three clean sheets reflect their effort." Portsmouth captain John Mousinho reflected on the draw: "Leaving home with a 0-0 result and a clean sheet is a positive takeaway.
We created good chances in the second half but couldn’t find the net. It’s a mixed feeling because we could have won. In the first half we didn’t really test the keeper, but after Charlton’s midweek game we expected a more open match, which we got. There are encouraging signs, but we must keep improving.
Last week we scored; this week we didn’t. We have quality up front and will convert those chances soon." Both managers highlighted the need for squad depth and the return of key players after injuries. Charlton’s defensive unit, having shouldered a heavy schedule, will benefit from a brief respite during the international break, while Portsmouth will look to sharpen their attacking edge to turn the numerous chances they create into goals. The stalemate, though goalless, underscored the competitive nature of the Championship and set the stage for an intriguing run‑in as both clubs aim to climb the table.