Coventry back on track but Baggies in trouble – Aaron McLean’s EFL takeaways

Coventry, the championship’s leaders, defeated Leicester 1-0 to end their three-game winless run, while Millwall, in fourth place, defeated Watford to maintain its top spot.

McLean: “Coventry hit a bit of a tough patch at the beginning of the season, but they have, by their own admission, hit a lot of a tough patch. So to have their first win in four league games will have done them a world of good.”

This evening, Frank Lampard will feel much brighter. I believe everything is heading in the right direction because Ellis Simms and Haji Wright both came from behind and showed the character they showed, and Ellis Simms and Haji Wright both came back in the same direction.

After Middlesbrough won last night, it was crucial to ensure that they carried out their duties.

“The neutral might enjoy Tuesday’s game against in-form Millwall,” the neutral said.

“I believe what they have accomplished so far has been unquestionably incredible. I’m hoping they can keep it up. They are not a team that will blow up opponents, but rather to score points.

To win the points and a clean sheet away to Watford, who can defeat anyone in this division on their own, is what they are all about, and having a great day’s work.

Southampton’s poor form continued as they lost to Hull City 2-1 at home, extending their seven-game unbeaten streak.

McLean: “Spurs have lost momentum.

They experienced a “here we go again” syndrome when they concede a goal, but over the past few weeks they have almost reverted to their previous form.

They “absolutely need a positive win to regain their feelings.”

They seem to be struggling to reach the play-offs.

“First, they need some clean sheets. They aren’t keeping up their sheets, so that prevents them from taking things.

If they can just go and record a few victories at once, that will give them the confidence to go a little wider.

The squad has been built in that mold, but they need to now, according to the coach.

Eric Ramsay’s side rallied from two goals down to defeat second-placed Middlesbrough 3-2 at home on Friday. Before Tuesday’s game between the two teams, Norwich are four points clear of the Baggies with a 2-1 victory over Wrexham on Saturday.

McLean: “I feel like new boss Eric Ramsay has a lot of work on his hands” when I look back at West Brom and Middlesbrough on Friday night.

I feel sorry for them after their most recent league loss at Leicester, where they were beaten 2-2 by Middlesbrough, and then lost so late in the second half due to an unbelievable strike.

They have consistently conceded late goals, but that has been their Achilles’ heel.

You find yourself in that position at this time of year because your performances aren’t sufficient. They have had terrible results away from home, and they are now facing serious consequences.

“I look at Norwich, who they play on Tuesday in a match that looks like another great match, and the Baggies need that now,” said Clement.

League One leaders Cardiff City improved to 2-1 at third-placed Bradford City to move into the top, while Doncaster, who are at the bottom, won 1-0 at fellow strugglers AFC Wimbledon with a 2-1 victory.

McLean: “I believe Cardiff is the strongest team in that league, and they will only be trying to keep Lincoln at a distance.

The Imps, who are the division’s top team, were held to a 2-goal deficit to draw 2-2 at Luton today.

“I believe that if Cardiff finishes ahead of Lincoln, they will have won the league,” he said.

I like what Mansfield are up to, especially with today’s 3-0 win over bottom side Port Vale. They have a great manager in Nigel Clough, and they have momentum.

They are consistently winning games, and if they can keep doing that, they will enter the play-off race.

It was a huge victory for Doncaster against another team that had dropped to the bottom of the league in AFC Wimbledon.

“The Dons shot themselves in the foot with a late red card before conceding in the ninth minute with added time.” Johnnie Jackson dealt a hammer blow to that.

It was a “sorely needed win” for Doncaster. You are looking for that spark when you enter a new year, and today’s outcome might be just the beginning.

Shrewsbury won League Two against 10-man Harrogate, moving four points clear of the bottom two.

McLean: “Down at the bottom of League Two, Shrewsbury had a massive result.

You must defeat the teams in your area when you are at the wrong end of a division.

“For Harrogate, it’s now 16 games without a win.” This game, which they’d have been considering, will have given them a lot of pressure, and Simon Weaver is going to be feeling that way. They believed a victory today would have given them a significant boost.

Newport, the only league team that lost to them, also suffered a very difficult defeat, which I believe perfectly sums up the season.

“To concede in the 91st and 99th minutes, having taken the lead at Gillingham in the 84th minute, shows boss Christian Fuchs the size of his job,” the 91st and 99th say.

Because the teams above them aren’t winning games either, I believe they’ll struggle to stay up, but they’re still within a shout.

Aaron McLean spoke with Ian Woodcock of BBC Sport England.