During a weekend where we saw some fixtures being postponed as a result of storm Darragh, three players stood out above the rest in the Championship.
Josh Murphy (Portsmouth), Rayan Kolli (Queens Park Rangers), and Tom Watson (Sunderland) were highlighted as the top three players from last weekend’s game week, contributing goals towards their team.
With all three of those teams desperate for a win, each player’s performance was vital in ensuring that was the case.
Josh Murphy (Portsmouth)
Over the last couple of games, Murphy has simply been outstanding for John Mousinho’s side, providing goals and assists in key moments. This was no different on Saturday, as he was once again vital towards Pompey’s 3-0 win over Bristol City.
Murphy got himself on the scoresheet in the 62nd minute, where before he slotted it away in the Fratton end. Some credit should also go to Colby Bishop, as his pass cut open the Robins defence to play the 29-year-old through on goal.
Just as Pompey fans thought they couldn’t see an assist better than the previous one, Murphy found himself with space on the left wing, where he whipped a teasing ball which was met by none other than Callum Lang.
In the 2024/25 season, Murphy has recorded four goals and four assists.
Rayan Kolli (QPR)
Despite Ryan Kolli starting on the bench, the 19-year-old made a name for himself by scoring two goals in QPR’s 3-0 win against Norwich City.
The right winger found himself on the scoresheet found himself on the scoresheet in the four minutes of additional time in the first half. Kenneth Paal’s cross was met, and the header from close range flew past Angus Gunn.
In the 49th, Kolli found his second of the game as he was played in one-on-one and calmly finished to net QPR’s third of the game.
Tom Watson (Sunderland)
Watson helped end Sunderland’s six-game unbeaten run with a brace against 15th-place Stoke City.
Watson’s first goal came just a minute after Stoke’s opener as he came up with the perfect response. His low drilled strike from the edge of the area flew past Viktor Johansson as the Stoke City keeper was caught flat-footed.
Just as the Black Cats thought that they were on course for their third home draw in a row, Watson’s goal put them in the lead. The 18-year-old’s deflected shot hit the back of the net to send the roof of the Stadium of Light.