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Daryl Dike finally off the mark for West Bromwich Albion

By Robert Wheeler

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 12: Daryl Dike of WBA applauds the fans after the Sky Bet Championship between Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion at Stadium of Light on December 12, 2022 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 12: Daryl Dike of WBA applauds the fans after the Sky Bet Championship between Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion at Stadium of Light on December 12, 2022 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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Since joining West Bromwich Albion from Orlando City in January this year, Daryl Dike was yet to score or register an assist for his club. Now he has done both in a crucial 2-1 victory over Sunderland, at the Stadium of Light.

The home side was leading the game after Amad Diallo slotted his first-half penalty into the bottom corner.

Dike was introduced in the 64th minute to try and turn the game around, which did not take long. After just six minutes, Dike laid the ball off to fellow substitute Tom Rogic, who fired the ball into the net with the outside of his foot.

The victory was secured in the 82nd minute, as Jed Wallace’s cross was diverted into the net by Dike’s glancing header – a goal that lifted West Brom out of the EFL Championship’s relegation zone.

Daryl Dike scored and assisted in West Brom’s 2-1 win at Sunderland

This was just Dike’s fifth appearance for West Brom, he has played so little due to hamstring and thigh injuries.

Dike has proved he can perform at this level, as he scored nine goals whilst on loan at Barnsley in 2021. He helped the Tykes get into the playoffs. However, they were defeated by Swansea in the semi-finals.

Before moving to England permanently, Dike was with Orlando City, managing 18 MLS goals in 35 games. He also has eight caps for the USMNT, with three goals. Dike was also part of the US side that won the 2021 Gold Cup.

He was not involved in the World Cup, where Gregg Berhalter’s side found the back of the net just three times in the tournament. If Dike continues to score goals, he will no doubt force his way back into contention with his country.

He has had bad luck with West Brom, but now he scored his first goal, Dike can hopefully put his injury woes behind him, and focus on helping his side up the league table.

Dike’s physicality – at 6’2 – will make him a nuisance to any Championship side. For his goal, he has shown he has quite a leap on him, which is a great asset for West Brom when it comes to whipping balls into the box.

A real boost for the Baggies

West Brom was relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2020/21 season. They finished 10th last season, but no one could have expected a club of its size to be in a relegation fight this year.

Thanks to Dike’s goal, this win moves the Baggies up to 17th in the league. Carlos Corberán’s side is just eight points off Preston and Watford, who occupy positions in the playoffs.

This was their first game back following the break from the World Cup, and it was a great way for them to restart their league campaign.

Next up for West Brom is a home match this Saturday against Rotherham. A win would see them go five league games undefeated. There is still a lot of football to be played this season, and the Baggies will have ambitions of reaching the playoffs, for a chance at promotion back to the Premier League.

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