Martin, McGoldrick or Grabban – Who was the Championship’s best striker this weekend?

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We take a look at which striker from Derby County, Norwich City or Ipswich Town stood out the most in the Championship.

In a fulfilling round of Championship fixtures this weekend, we take a look at which striker made the most impact.

Our nominees for this weekend are Derby County frontman Chris Martin, Norwich City’s summer signing Lewis Grabban and Ipswich Town scorer David McGoldrick.

As per the table provided by Opta Stats, each striker excelled in different areas as they played a huge role in their sides’ victories.

Despite missing an early penalty, Derby County striker Chris Martin proved why he’s so vital for the Rams as his two goals saw off a struggling Bolton Wanderers side at the Macron Stadium.

Martin’s importance to Steve McClaren’s men goes far beyond his ability to find the back of the net as the Scottish international acts as a pivot in the final third, superbly bringing his fellow forwards into play.

Against Bolton, he took five shots in total, made three key passes, drew two fouls and maintained an 84% pass completion rate.

It was the sort of performance which belonged at a higher level and it’s surely only a matter of time before the 25-year-old makes the step up, with or without the Rams.

Verdict: 9.0

Another striker linked with a move to the very top is Ipswich Town’s David McGoldrick and it’s easy to see why.

The former Nottingham Forest striker was also on target this weekend, helping the Tractor Boys secure a 2-0 victory over struggling Rotherham United.

The 26-year-old was a menace throughout, attempting three shots, playing one key pass and competing 81% of his intended passes.

If Mick McCarthy’s side want to finish in the top six this season, then they will be hoping their star striker can stay fit after a number of injury lay-offs in recent seasons.

Verdict: 8.0

The final striker to make the list is Norwich City’s summer signing from Bournemouth Lewis Grabban following his impressive display away at Blackpool.

The 26-year-old scored his sixth goal of the season as the Canaries wrapped up a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over the Championship’s bottom club.

Despite not linking up all too well with his teammates, Grabban had five attempts at goal, took 41 touches and maintained a 78% pass completion rate as he pushed his side on in the second half.

Norwich are another club who will be in the promotion mix come the end of the season, and Grabban’s goals could be the difference between an automatic spot and a place in the playoffs.

Verdict: 8.0