Lee Bowyer believes Charlton have sent a statement to their promotion rivals after beating Rotherham 3-1 today.

A Joe Aribo double and Michal Zyro’s strike moved the Addicks into the top six.

Bowyer, who has won his first three games in caretaker charge, said: “It was a tough game. I thought we were lucky to go one-nil up.

“We battled and fought but I thought we were sloppy in the first-half with our clearances and in possession. But the players worked hard.

“We dominated them in the second-half. Again, we worked so hard as a team. They got a sloppy goal at the end which was disappointing - the players deserved a clean sheet.

“To beat Rotherham, who are a good team, they were eight points in front of us before today so we’ve dragged them closer to us.

“We’ve sent a statement [to our promotion rivals] - the next team we play will be dreading playing us because we were a good footballing side but now we’re a different animal now. We used to get bullied in games but that’s not happening anymore. Rotherham tried and it didn't work.

“They all stood up and were counted as men. The togetherness in the dressing room, it’s a completely different place.

“With their ability and the way they pass and move the ball, at times they're unplayable. You saw that last Friday against Northampton as well.”

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