Charlton 1 Arsenal 3

TALAL EL KARKOURI took no consolation from his spectacular goal during Charlton’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at The Valley on Saturday.

El Karkouri’s 30-yard screamer from Matt Holland’s free-kick on the stroke of half-time was a Goal Of The Season contender and brought the Addicks level.

But second half strikes from Freddie Ljungberg and Robin Van Persie gave the Gunners maximum points.

“I was pleased to score but, because we lost the game, it doesn’t mean anything,” said El Karkouri after getting on the scoresheet for the third time in four games. “We were happy at the end of the first half, but ended up frustrated.”

The Moroccan international defender believes the Addicks must concentrate more to eradicate individual mistakes that are costing them goals.

He said: “We knew beforehand that Arsenal would come here to win the game and that it was going to be tough for us. We started well before conceding three goals that were not fantastic ones from them but were stupid from us.

“If you play against teams like Arsenal you have to be aware and careful. Sometimes you can lose concentration and that is what has happened in a few games.

“We need to work hard on the training ground and make sure that we do not repeat the same mistakes.”