Defeat left the European champions a massive 21 points behind leaders and Premiership title-holders Chelsea while, more significantly, they were left six points adrift of Manchester United in the race for the second Champions League qualifying spot, albeit with a game in hand.

Victory moved Charlton up into 11th place.

Bent went down under what looked minimal contact from keeper Jerzy Dudek, and got up to slot home the resulting penalty himself in the 42nd minute, against the run of play.

And in first-half stoppage time, Young doubled his side's lead and despite plenty of effort from the visitors, it was not enough to prevent a third straight away defeat in the Premiership.