There is nothing quite like scoring a goal in stoppage time to salvage a draw or claim all three points. Whether it’s a goal against the run-of-play or that strike you have been waiting for all game – these are five super subs who perform best when rising off the bench in the Championship.
The Championship’s Super Subs
5. Grady Diangana – West Bromwich Albion
West Brom have been one of the surprise contenders of promotion this season. Under the guidance of Slaven Bilić, the Baggies sit atop the Championship table – clear of second-placed Preston by two points.
The Baggies have scored 29 goals in the league this term, with Diangana netting twice and contributing two assists to his team’s cause from three substitute appearances.
West Brom have been plying their trade in the second-tier since their relegation from the Premier League back in 2018; however, their fast start this campaign as Baggies supporters hoping of promotion back to the top-flight.
4. Hal Robson-Kanu – West Bromwich Albion
Another player impressing under Bilić’s management this season is Robson-Kanu.
The Welsh international has made ten appearances for the Baggies this term; eight of which have been as a substitute.
When being used as a substitute, Robson-Kanu has scored three times – his produce has resulted in seven points for the Baggies, a crucial addition to their cause for promotion.
3. Danny Ward – Cardiff City
The Bluebirds have found it difficult to adjust to life in the Championship since their relegation last season; however, one main provider of success has been Danny Ward.
The 28-year-old centre forward found chances limited in the top-flight, making 14 appearances and scoring just once.
This season, however, he has had a more successful time – especially when rising off the bench. From five substitute appearances, Ward has netted three goals.
Cardiff City sit 14th in the second-tier and need to address their defensive weaknesses in order to move up the table.
2. Eddie Nketiah – Leeds United
Sitting third in the Championship table, Leeds United are expected to fight for promotion to the Premier League once again this season.
However, the Whites’ good fortunes this term can largely be put down to Eddie Nketiah. The on-loan Arsenal striker has found the net three times when coming off the substitutes’ bench; also adding an assist to his season tally.
Each of his strikes this term have come in the closing ten minutes of fixtures.
In total, Nketiah’s contributions have single-handedly won Leeds United five points. Without those, the Whites would find themselves seventh – seven points adrift of top spot.
1. Juninho Bacuna – Huddersfield Town
They may have gone through a slow start this season, but the arrival of the Cowley brothers at Huddersfield Town has seen the Terriers revive their season.
One of those star performers in Yorkshire this term, though, has been Juninho Bacuna.
The season started for Bacuna as a regular starter; although, three of his four starts in consecutive competitions ended in defeat.
On the other hand, Bacuna has contributed four goals to the Terriers when rising off the bench – three goals and an assist.
Of his three goals, the Netherlands-born midfielder netted the winning strike against lowly Stoke City with eight minutes left – securing the Terriers’ first win of the season after nine matches.
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