It was yet another fascinating week in the Championship as it provided some quality games with a substantial number of shocks. While Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa maintained their stronghold in the upper half of the league table, the likes of Fulham, Leeds United and Derby County flattered to deceive.
Sunderland’s heroic comeback to draw the game 3-3 after being 3-0 down at one stage against Bristol City at the Ashton Gate Stadium was arguably the most thrilling fixture of this weekend. Cardiff City are due to face Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday and leaving that fixture aside, here are three players who really dazzled in the 31st gameweek of the Championship.
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Mile Jedinak
Aston Villa secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Birmingham City at the Villa Park on Sunday. They are now appearing to be a side capable of getting promoted to the Premier League and Mile Jedinak was arguably the best player on the pitch for the Villans against the Blues. He was rock solid in front of the backline.
The 33-year-old won 11 aerial duels and mustered 7 clearances, 3 blocks, 3 tackles and 2 interceptions, which is quite outstanding. And he did not just confine himself to the defensive needs of his employers but also galloped forward and made his presence felt in the final third on a number of occasions.
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Famara Diedhiou
Bristol City striker, Famara Diedhiou, resembled a livewire when the Robins faced Sunderland on Saturday. The Black Cats were 3-0 down in the first half and Diedhiou’s contribution in engineering the same deserves to be applauded, for he wreaked havoc on the backline of the visiting side.
The 25-year-old smashed a couple of goals and showcased noteworthy work-ethic up front. He was constantly looking for goal-scoring opportunities and was also trying to bring his teammates into the equation. He was sharp, mobile and industrious and despite the fact the Chris Coleman’s side staged a late comeback to rescue a point, Diedhiou was quite superb during the game.
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Adama Traore
Middlesbrough attacker, Adama Traore, dazzled in his side’s 2-1 win over Reading at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday. Traore has been a real threat to the opposition of late with his blistering pace and trickery but against the Royals, he managed to get the end product he was looking for.
The 22-year-old did take some time to settle but once he did, he singlehandedly led the attacking endeavours of the Smoggies. He was Middlesbrough’s most potent weapon as he popped up in the right areas and seemed to be interested to dribble past the opposition defence throughout his time on the pitch. Traore scored a couple of goals and frankly speaking, he completely deserved them.