The Baggies were left looking decidedly light up front, but if Josh Maja can sustain his blistering early season form - and stay injury-free - then any worries about a lack of firepower will be quickly forgotten.
Pre-weekend, Maja had scored six times in as many Championship appearances this season, including an opening-day hat-trick against QPR. An additional assist meant the Lewisham-born Nigeria international had been involved in 70 per cent of his team’s goals.
“We knew Josh was a good player, but I don’t think anyone expected him to start the season like this,” admitted Baggies midfielder John Swift. “The stuff he’s been doing, dropping off in the pockets but also getting in behind and getting goals - he’s worked as hard as anyone.”
In fairness, the 25-year-old’s ability to score goals has never been in doubt. Those instincts were evident from his days in the youth teams at Crystal Palace, Fulham and Manchester City, and spotted by arch-predator Jermain Defoe during a breakout three-year spell at Sunderland.
Denne historien er fra September 29, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra September 29, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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END OF CUP ROAD FOR EFL BATTLERS
EFL interest in this season’s Carabao Cup came to an end in midweek, but it certainly wasn’t for the want of trying.
GOALS GALORE IN THE TROPHY
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KEEPER GAFFE SINKS TOWN
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ACE SLEW & WILLIAMS SEE OFF REBELS...
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MATT'S MEN JUST HAVE ENOUGH GAS
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'WHITES' ARRAY OF FIREPOWER WILL GIVE THEM THE EDGE OVER RIVALS'
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JUST FAB FOUR BAYO IS UNSTOPPABLE
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