West Ham United have taken the Championship title race to a new level after a decisive 1‑0 victory over Swansea City, with Divine Mukasa’s late strike sending the Hammers to within a point of the league leaders. The win has pushed West Ham to 30 goals in 11 league games, a tally that has underlined their recent form. Aaron McLean, former striker and pundit, praised the result as a “huge win” for the Hammers, noting that the victory was a crucial test following the mid‑week demolition of Lincoln City. He added that the draw for Middlesbrough only added to the importance of the three points, and highlighted Jarrod Bowen’s eight goals as a key factor in West Ham’s push for promotion. McLean also reflected on Bowen’s decision not to join the England squad for the World Cup, suggesting that it allowed him to focus on helping West Ham return to the Premier League.
In League One, Norwich City have slipped into a precarious position after a 3‑0 defeat to Portsmouth, which saw the Canaries lose their sixth straight match and drop to just one point above the relegation zone. The penalty from Marezi proved decisive, and McLean expressed surprise at the club’s poor form, especially after a promising start under manager Philippe Clement. He described the team as “void of confidence” and questioned the performance of goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw, whose season has been “under a lot of pressure.” McLean warned that the club will face “huge questions” about both the keeper and Clement in the coming weeks, as Norwich’s consistent losses have eroded morale.
Watford’s situation has seen a brief bright spot after a 2‑0 win over Charlton Athletic, ending a run of four consecutive defeats. The victory has lifted the club to three points above the relegation zone, and goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia celebrated the result. McLean acknowledged the win as a “stepping stone” but cautioned that the club’s ownership will still need to be convinced of manager Alessio Dionisi’s long‑term plans. He noted that the timing of the match was fortuitous, given Charlton’s poor form, and that Dionisi’s position remains at risk if results do not improve.
In League One, MK Dons secured their first league win of the season with a 2‑1 triumph over Luton Town, ending a run of six draws in the opening eight fixtures. Paul Warne, who took the club from League Two last season, was praised by McLean for his experience and ability to get results. The win against a promotion‑challenging side like Luton was described as “brilliant,” and McLean believes that the Dons will grow stronger as the season progresses, potentially stabilizing in mid‑table positions.
Rotherham United have struggled under new manager Alex Bruce, losing 2‑0 to Fleetwood and slipping into the bottom two of League Two. McLean highlighted the challenges faced by first‑time managers in the EFL, noting that Rotherham’s lack of experience and limited resources have hindered progress. He suggested that the club needs to galvanise the squad and secure a run of positive results to climb out of the relegation zone, acknowledging that a few good outcomes could change the team’s fortunes.