Charlton’s much-needed win against promotion-chasing Middesbrough showed that Jose Riga’s team haven’t given up hope of a Great Escape.
Second-half goals from Jorge Teixeira and Callum Harriott proved too much for a Boro side who were without boss Aitor Karanka as he looks set to leave the club.
Here are five things we learned…
Protests aren’t going away and they’re building momentum
The mock funeral, the beach balls on the pitch, the whistles and the 74th-minute walkout, all in front of the Sky TV cameras, with national journalists in attendance, showed that fans mean business.
There were complaints in recent weeks from supporters who wanted protests to get violent but fair play to the Coalition Against Roland Duchatelet (CARD), they remained adamant on keeping demonstrations legal and respectable – it paid off.
Nick Pope is stepping up to the plate
There have been question marks over Pope’s performances when he’s played in the past. While he has pulled off a number of remarkable saves, he’s always made the odd error.
However, in the games against MK Dons and Boro, barring one miscued goal-kick, he’s kept back-to-back clean sheets and commanded his box well.
He’s now 23 years old and I don’t want to jinx it, but maybe we’re seeing a more mature goalkeeper now.
Jordan Cousins is in the form of his life
Since his return from the treatment table against Brentford, Cousins has been superb for the Addicks.
The academy graduate was instrumental in the 2-1 victory at Griffin Park and was one of the few players to come out of the MK Dons stalemate with any credit.
Another dominating midfield display against Boro, which deservedly earned him the man of the match award from Sky, only furthered the point that he’s in the form of his life.
Relegation escape is still possible
As Riga said, and everyone knows, mathematically it’s not over – but Charlton’s win on Sunday gives them a fighting chance.
Sheffield Wednesday away is up next – they’ve won only once in six games so the Addicks need to be ruthless in Yorkshire.
Boro could prove to be bigger bottlers than Arsenal
Spending over £20 million on a Championship squad should guarantee a team promotion.
But, after losing three out of their last four games and a popular manager edging closer to the exit door - the Teesside club are in disarray.
Third-placed Hull are two points behind them with a game in hand and the two big clubs go head-to-head this Friday.
The next seven days will determine whether Boro are playing Chelsea or Burton Albion next season.
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