More goals for Lankshear, home woes for Hammers - Aaron McLean's EFL Takeaways

Lankshear scores twice as Middlesbrough extend their Championship lead to two points; West Ham lose 3-0 at home to West Brom, their third home defeat of the season.

Aaron McLean's EFL Takeaways column examines the weekend's standout performances across the Championship and lower divisions.

Middlesbrough sit two points clear at the top after a 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic, with Will Lankshear scoring twice to reach 13 goals in 13 league games since his £20m summer move from Tottenham. McLean praised Lankshear's X-factor and form, saying he has the potential to become an England international but should focus on securing promotion with Middlesbrough and winning the Championship's Golden Boot before stepping up to international level.

West Ham's home troubles deepened with a 3-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion at the London Stadium, their third home defeat of the season. McLean highlighted their inability to handle pressure at home, conceding early goals and failing to score themselves, and questioned whether they are showing enough respect to opponents or if teams sense a weakness they can exploit. He stressed that West Ham must turn their stadium into a fortress rather than allowing visiting sides to enjoy playing there.

Southampton continued their strong form with a 4-1 win over QPR to sit fifth, having erased their four-point deduction.