Table of Content
Former Peterborough United and Hull City striker Aaron McLean shares his five key takeaways from Saturday’s matches across the Championship, League One, and League Two.
Promotion is key to keeping Will Lankshear at Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough sit two points clear at the top of the Championship following a 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic. Will Lankshear scored twice to bring his tally to 13 goals in 13 league appearances since his £20m summer transfer from Tottenham.
BBC Sport pundit Aaron McLean stated that he predicted before the season started that Lankshear would become an England international within a few years, praising the player’s X-factor and goalscoring ability in a struggling Oxford team last season. McLean noted that Middlesbrough must secure promotion if they want to retain the forward, warning that his rising price tag and reputation will soon attract larger clubs.
McLean added that an England call-up is currently too soon for Lankshear’s development, advising him to focus on finishing as the Championship’s top scorer and reaching the Premier League first.
West Ham struggle under pressure at the London Stadium
West Ham United continued to suffer at the London Stadium after conceding three goals for the second consecutive Saturday in a home defeat against West Bromwich Albion. All three of West Ham’s Championship losses this campaign have occurred in front of their home supporters.
McLean told BBC Sport that the team appears unable to handle the pressure, noting a divided fanbase regarding manager Nuno Espirito Santo. He questioned why West Ham continue to concede early goals at home and whether opponents view them as having a soft underbelly. McLean concluded that opponents are enjoying trips to the London Stadium, which is the exact opposite of what the club requires.
Southampton bounce back strongly with Tonda Eckert
Southampton climbed to fifth in the Championship after a convincing 4-1 win over QPR at St Mary’s. Despite a four-point deduction at the start of the season, the team is performing well under manager Tonda Eckert.
McLean said that keeping Eckert was the correct decision given the organization and motivation he brings to the squad. He noted that players are performing at their highest levels, highlighting the returns of James Ward-Prowse and James Bree. According to McLean, the club has adopted a siege mentality following last season’s controversy, embracing an “us against the world” attitude that is currently delivering positive results.
Luton Town aim to prove promotion credentials
Luton Town achieved their fourth consecutive victory in League One with a 2-0 away win against Peterborough United, moving up to fourth place ahead of a fixture against league leaders Huddersfield Town.
McLean stated that while Luton can compete for the play-offs, they are not yet top-two contenders due to a lack of consistency compared to teams like Huddersfield, Stockport, and Bradford. McLean emphasized that promotion is a mandatory requirement for Jack Wilshere’s side this season, and a sustained run of form will be necessary to break into the leading pack.
Fleetwood Town follow cup heroics with crucial league win
Following a penalty shootout win over Premier League champions Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, Fleetwood Town returned to League Two action and secured a 3-1 home victory over Bristol Rovers after starting the day in 18th place.
McLean, who spoke with assistant head coach Mark Yeates following the Arsenal match, described the victory over top-quality opposition as an incredible achievement that has left the club bouncing. With five more league matches before facing Everton in the quarter-finals, McLean stressed the importance of improving their League Two position so the cup run does not hinder their overall objectives, adding that the team will approach the Everton tie full of belief.
