Time to take Charlton seriously if they beat Spurs

So Charlton are in second place with less than a fifth of the season gone. They have started the season with five wins and a loss at home to Chelsea. In their five wins they have only conceded two goals. However, the five wins have been against teams who Chartlon are expected to beat: Wigan, Sunderland, West Brom, an injury-hit Birmingham, and an inconsistent Middlesborough.

If they can beat investment-heavy Spurs today at the Valley it will be time to take serious notice of Curbishley's Charlton. Too many times they have gone on good runs in the Premiership for it all to end in a run of defeats. But with new acquisitions Smertin and Bent earning excellent reviews, Rommedahl and Thomas performing effectively on the wings, and Murphy displaying England form, Charlton look to have more about them this season.

Davids and Co have conceded only three goals in their first seven games- and just like Charlton two of these were against Chelsea. Spurs also have a feel-good factor: aside from the purchase of a world class player like Davids, they have bought in a clutch of young promising players in the past two years, have acquired the very likeable Martin Jol as a progressive coach, and of course have the excellent Ledley King and Paul Robinson within their defence. I tipped Spurs to grab fourth place at the start of the season and this is where they are as I write.

I doubt Charlton when up against opposition with such high class players. A defeat at home to Chelsea this season, a complete walloping at home to Man Utd last season, and seven goals conceded against Arsenal in their past two encounters are some examples to back-up my doubts. They did achieve the double over Spurs last season, but Spurs look to have a more confident mentality this season and will be keen for a win that will bring them level with Charlton.

If Charlton are to win today then surely the player who has to perform is EFT player of the month for September: Danny Murphy. His form has been superb, revelling in a three man central midfield which gives him more freedom to concentrate on his attacking game. This season he already has three goals to his name, his all-round passing has been outstanding, and he has been deadly at set-pieces. A continuation of this form today aginst Davids, Carrick, and Jenas will surely net him a deserved England squad place.

And if he features in a victory against 'feel-good' Spurs, it will definitely be time to start considering Charlton as a team with high-standard, Premiership aspirations.