The annual Boxing Day EFL showdown showcased games that were nothing short of entertaining. Lynden Gooch scored for the second time this month, and with certainty, he intended to score this goal against Birmingham City on Boxing Day. Elsewhere, Haji Wright continues his fine run of form with another assist in Coventry’s win. Once again playing on the left, it is interesting to note where the Coventry record-breaking signing would be in the left-winger depth chart for the USMNT.
Birmingham City 1-3 Stoke City
Gooch’s goal in the 31st minute doubled Stoke’s lead, propelling them to leapfrog Birmingham City despite sharing the exact record of seven wins, six draws, and 11 losses; the separation is just a mere one-goal differential. The former Sunderland star has been on the up for his new side, captaining Stoke for the first time in the win.
Following a left-sided breakthrough in the 12th minute, Gooch attempted a shot from the edge of the penalty area, which Marc Roberts cleared off the line. However, Roberts’ clearance only reached Jordan Thompson, whose subsequent shot deflected in off Juninho Bacuna.
Stoke extended their lead when, within a minute of Andre Vidigal’s unsuccessful attempt, when they launched another attack. Gooch found space on the left side of the box, capitalizing on free, vacant territory to slide a low finish under keeper John Ruddy.
Vidigal appeared to secure Steven Schumacher’s first win as Stoke Head Coach with the third goal, but Jay Stansfield’s goal gave the home fans a glimmer of hope. Nevertheless, Birmingham City never came close to adding any further goals.
Coventry City 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday
Wright has responded well to his new position this season, notching his tenth goal contribution for the Sky Blues. Slowly but surely, the 25-year-old is adapting to his surroundings as his side pushes for a playoff charge once again, following a close miss on promotion last season, losing out to Luton Town in the final.
Striker Callum Paterson exited the game due to a head injury, and his replacement had yet to enter. That however didn’t stop the Sky Blues as Haji Wright exploited space on the left, delivering a cross for Tatsuhiro Sakamoto to guide a left-footed finish into the far corner.
The Coventry duo, Wright and Sakamoto, continued to trouble the visitors. A powerful Sakamoto attempt was blocked, and Wednesday cleared another threatening cross before Wright could capitalize.
Sakamoto had another close opportunity soon after the break, but the Owls regrouped, generating several good chances to level the score. Coventry goalkeeper Brad Collins made a crucial double save to deny Liam Palmer and Anthony Musaba consecutively before deflecting Bailey Cadamarteri’s effort.
Despite their efforts, Wednesday couldn’t break through, and Sakamoto extinguished their hopes by cutting inside onto his left foot and delivering a precise finish beyond Cameron Dawson. This win now sees Coventry just three points outside of the playoff spots.
Preston North End 2-1 Leeds United
Duane Holmes was everywhere for PNE, driving the attack with three successful dribbles, six passes into the final third, and creating a big chance. The 29-year-old also showcased his defensive prowess with five successful tackles, ten duels won, and an impressive 11 recoveries according to FotMob. The only thing absent was a goal contribution, but he’ll undoubtedly relish the win against a challenging opponent in Leeds United.
The pivotal moment of the match occurred in the 53rd when Leeds goalkeeper, Illan Meslier received a red card after being provoked by the Preston players. Following a confrontation with Ben Whiteman and a shove from Milutin Osmajic, Meslier reacted by pushing Osmajic in the face. Osmajic, booked for his role, theatrically fell to the ground clutching his face, leading to Meslier’s inevitable dismissal.
Four minutes later, taking advantage of their numerical superiority with Leeds playing with reserve keeper Karl Darlow, North End capitalized. Millar cut inside, delivering a right-footed cross that Alan Browne headed home for his fifth goal of the season.
Leeds leveled the score in the 83rd minute when Ali McCann was deemed to have fouled Dan James in the penalty area. Leeds captain Pascal Struijk converted the penalty, sending keeper Freddie Woodman the wrong way.
The Canadian Liam Millar had other ideas and secured the win for PNE six minutes later, receiving the ball wide on the left, cutting back inside, and curling a superb right-footed shot beyond Darlow into the top right corner.
Bradford City 2-2 Morecambe FC
Jonathan Tomkinson received his third consecutive start for Bradford. Despite being a central defender, the Norwich City loanee played as a right center back in a back three and frequently ventured forward due to his side’s dominance in various metrics. However, the outcome contradicts the statistics. The 21-year-old’s 19 passes into the final third, two crosses, three accurate long balls, and 100 percent dribbles attempted which helped sparked Bradford’s comeback after trailing 2-0 in the first half.
Morecambe taken the lead in just three minutes. Adam Mayor’s free-kick, unhandled by the home defense, rebounded to James Connolly, who scored from 10 yards.
Adam Smith thwarted Tyler Smith’s attempt for a quick response before Morecambe extended their lead. JJ McKiernan tapped in after a skillful play on the left flank by Jordan Slew.
Nearly making it 3-0 in the 43rd minute, Morecambe was denied when former Bradford midfielder Yann Songo’o’s header hit the post.
Bradford narrowed the deficit just before the hour mark, as Andy Cook created space from a Brad Halliday cross, allowing half-time substitute Clarke Oduor to slide home.
Halliday completed the Bantams’ comeback, sweeping in Ciaran Kelly’s deep pass. Cook came close to securing victory with a powerful header that struck the crossbar. Despite increased pressure toward the end from the home side, both teams settled for a point.
Notes:
Reggie Cannon was a 63rd minute substitute in QPR’s 2-0 lost against Millwall.
Charlie Kelman was an unused QPR sub in their 2-0 lost against Millwall.
Vaughn Covil and Kristian Fletcher both didn’t make it onto the field for their respective teams.
Josh Sargent is back in training after recovering from his ankle injury, whilst Daryl Dike is still out.
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