Republic of Ireland's Finn Azaz scored twice and international team-mate Ryan Manning was also on target as Southampton continued their excellent form under interim manager Tonda Eckert as they thrashed Charlton 5-1 at The Valley.
Azaz collected a first-half brace with Ryan Manning, Adam Armstrong and Casper Jander also scoring in a dream opening 45 minutes for the Saints, who have won all three matches since the German coach replaced Will Still earlier this month.
It ensured a miserable afternoon for Addicks boss Nathan Jones, facing his former club for the first time since they sacked him after a 95-day spell in charge in February 2023.
Charlton's defensive strength has been a big factor in their impressive start to life in the Championship and they came into the contest with just one loss at home in 2025. But they were repeatedly cut open by their rampant South coast opponents and trailed 5-1 by the interval.
Azaz was provider for the opening goal after 14 minutes, supplying the cross for left wing-back Manning to power a header home from a few yards out. Azaz would score his side's fourth and fifth, the latter in the 43rd minute putting his side 5-0 up.
The shellshocked hosts cut the deficit just before the break. Charlton vice-captain Lloyd Jones heading in Sonny Carey's deep corner.
Championship leaders Coventry came from two goals behind to beat 10-man West Brom 3-2 in a thriller at the CBS Arena.
Aune Heggebo's brace put the visitors two goals ahead but Josh Eccles halved the deficit before the break.
And after Ireland's Jayson Molumby had been sent off four minutes into the second half, Ellis Simms and Victor Torp were on target to make it nine wins in 10 for Frank Lampard’s side.
The West Midlands derby came to a head on the half-hour mark when Mikey Johnston stayed on the turf believing he had been fouled, before Tatsuhiro Sakamoto was fouled off the ball as Coventry played on.
Molumby then fouled Ephron Mason-Clark which led to a clash that saw both players booked.
Early in the second half, Molumby pulled back Torp to prevent a counter attack and was shown a second yellow card.
Darren O'Dea's first game as Swansea interim boss didn't go to plan as they lost 3-0 to Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
Skipper Dickie headed the home side in front from Anis Mehmeti's fourth-minute corner to the near post, and Riis doubled the advantage with a far-post volley from another Mehmeti cross on 31 minutes.
Substitute Yu Hirakawa broke clear through the middle to complete the scoring with a low right-footed shot on 82 minutes, leaving Swansea, watched by incoming new boss Vitor Matos, with nothing to show for a spirited display.
Hours before kick-off Portuguese club Maritimo announced that head coach Matos was leaving them to take charge of the Swans following the departure of Alan Sheehan, but O'Dea was unaware of his presence at the game.
"I have just left the dressing room and my only thoughts are with the players, who gave everything today," he said.
"There is a lot of talent in that dressing room and I am sure that whoever takes charge the future is bright.
"The players are a really good group and will be fine. Obviously, this has been a period which has been unsettling, but that’s what happens when big decisions are taken like the ones which have been made."
Asked if he knew whether he expected to be in charge for the next game against Derby on Tuesday, O’Dea added: "The club have told me what they will when they can and I’m sure when I leave here I will get an update on what tomorrow looks like.
"It needs new leadership and it seems that is pretty imminent. I have had to live for the last two weeks not knowing what the next couple of days will bring, but I know there is enough in the squad to set the club back in the right direction."
