It annoys me how much credit Corberan is getting. He had a -6 goal differential in his time at Huddersfield. In fact, he's had a negative goal differential in all his prior 4 stops - including somehow at Olympiakos. This is the first time he's had a positive one, thus far. Before Corberan arrived, WBA were one of the best in the league in terms of XG differential. But they had poor finishing and shot-stopping. That's what the coach has the least to do with. Dike just got healthy, coinciding with Corberan's arrival. The goalkeeper switch actually happened before Corberan arrived.
Three teams in three years and three successful stints full of chances created and goals scored. (I realize it's still a little premature for WBA, but that's certainly now the trajectory he's on.) Really makes you wonder what this guy could do at a higher level.
Not sure Horvath was to blame on his goal, I'd blame the moron #2 who kept Dike onside despite dike being 30 yards from him on the other side of the pitch. If Horvath doesn't rush out, Dike is 1v1 with the keeper for an almost surefire goal.
agreed. I thought may Horvath could waited a half- second and been able to collect the ball with his hands in the box but…… Dike was on him quick and he’s a big ass dude. So I can’t blame the decision to try play the ball with his feet. Horvath was damned with either decision. The biggest crime was those two CB’s.
I haven't seen any all-touches videos (or anything more than singular clips) of Dike yet this season. I'd like to see the play where he hit the bar, for example. I don't know where to find them. Can anyone here help out and post them, if they exist?
Awesome! Thanks! I look for "extended highlights" on youtube these days and the only thing that comes up are those stupid video game re-enactments. Header off crossbar at 3:30 Goal sequence starts at 4:48 Brom's 2nd goal sequence starts at 5:55--Dike has an important layoff for a blocked shot, the rebound of which is scored.
It's at the top when you search the match-up. Also, look for the check-marks. The Championship are good about posting highlights. Otherwise they're very restrictive. He rose up well over the defender on the crossbar hit. But should have hit that lower on his head and scored. But you neglected to mention that he also plays a significant part on the 3rd goal. His hold-up was beastly, turned his man, and arguably deserved a penalty (may have gotten it on review. He may have gotten it too had WBA not scored after they held it around the box. Dike was a handful, it appears.
whenever he plays reasonably well the defense has to put at least two players on him due to his physicality (this is the EFL) and that opens up chances for his mates.
Definitely getting Barnsley's miracle playoff run vibes from WBA's form the last few weeks. The obvious difference is WBA has way more talent all over the pitch and Dike doesn't need to carry the attack on his back as he did with Barnsley.
It's just wrong we have to watch two of our guys in those Mardi Gras colors tho. For a second I was looking for Sarge.
And if he's on track to be the 2026 starter, I'd expect him to be at the Copa America over the Olympics anyway.
Unless I'm reading it wrong, WBA appear to be starting zero of the same players who started on the weekend for today's FA Cup replay against Chesterfield (a fifth tier National League side), perhaps prioritizing their Friday match against first place Burnley. It appears Dike is not on the bench, either.
WBA don't give half a ******** about this game. In fact, as I posted earlier, there are probably some in management that would prefer to just lose. Going to a cup final is like a 2 million bonus and maybe a bit of prestige. Going to the EPL is about a 150 million bonus and a massive prestige boost.
On track for the US is to win an international tournament at any level instead of pretending that we even have a clue as to who the WC starting 11 should be 4 years from now. How about we start there?
the nature of credit earned and bestowed in soccer is quite erratic generally imo a lot of long lasting names are made in short spurts of success
It's a U-23 tournament that almost no one gives a shit about globally. If the women do well, awesome! It's important! If the college-aged men do, cool, it's kind of fun! But I, and 99% of people watching the games, will primarily be watching the men's Olympic sports that people care about and not an aged-up youth soccer tournament.
The dozens of us here care and that’s what matters Ive never forgiven Kljestan for jumping in the wall against the Netherlands