Championship Top Five, Round Eleven: Johnson is perfect for high-flying Preston
It's shaping up to be an unpredictable Championship season.
Leaders Leeds and Swansea both lost, allowing the likes of Nottingham Forest, West Brom and Preston to move up into contention, with the latter recording the most emphatic win of the round.
Preston are playing lovely stuff at the moment and Daniel Johnson produced a standout display in the thumping defeat of Barnsley. He opened the scoring by converting from close range after a goalkeeper parry, then his forward drive created the space to slide in Tom Barkhuizen to put his team back ahead. Johnson scored again to settle the match, then his high press won the ball back before Josh Harrop converted to end the 5-1 rout.
West Brom are shaping up to be genuine promotion contenders under Slaven Bilic and their attacking play was enhanced by the performance of Matheus Pereira. His marvellous one-two with Grady Diangana and curling shot opened the scoring, and in the second half he laid on goals for both Charlie Austin and Romaine Sawyers. Pereira represents the pick of an exciting forward offering from WBA and they are shaping up to be the best team in the league at the moment.
Watson may be reaching the end of his career but he was in supreme form as Nottingham Forest maintained their good run against Brentford. Watson dominated the midfield, winning 2/2 tackles, as well as six recoveries and four interceptions. And, of course, he was on hand to catch a loose ball on the volley and win the game for the home side, who now sit at the top of the table.
It's been a tumultuous period for Derby but they recorded a solid home win over Luton and Graeme Shinnie was their star performer. The midfielder completed 60-66 passes in the the victory, as well as winning 5/7 tackles, 12/17 duels and three interceptions. The former Aberdeen player hasn't always been in the team but this display should guarantee him a start in the games to come.
Joining Shinnie is Derby defender Matt Clarke, who recorded a clean sheet against a Luton team who had won their last away match at Blackburn. Clarke was dominant in his defensive duties, winning every duel (4/4) and tackle (2/2) as well as three interceptions and four clearances.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Tom Barkhuizen (7.8) scored and provided a brilliant assist in Preston's win over Barnsley, while Ivan Cavaleiro (7.8) put in a performance which deserved a win, only to be denied in Fulham's 2-2 draw with Charlton.
ROUND TO FORGET
Barnsley's back four and goalkeeper put up minimal resistance to Preston, particularly in the second half of their 5-1 hammering.