The new EFL season may only be seven weeks old, but the Goal of the Season award looks done and dusted already.
Thankfully for teams at the bottom, the same can’t be said for the league campaign itself. Throw in some false teeth and you have the good, bad and the ugly from this weekend’s EFL fixtures.
The Good: Real life FIFA?
FIFA 19 is released on Friday, and it’s fair to say some players are happier than others with their appearance on the game.
Whilst cover stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar JR have their faces scanned to produce the perfect visual replica of themselves, players like John McGinn are left looking like this…
#newprofilepic pic.twitter.com/JK5yJqCMAh
— John McGinn (@jmcginn7) September 21, 2018
The former Hibernian star took to Twitter to make a point of his appearance, prompting Villa to tweet “we’re ready for your first goal” with the same graphic.
So naturally, McGinn popped up with a goal you’d struggle to score on your Xbox, never mind in front of the Holte End at Villa Park.
McGinn’s first goal in English football was an absolute stunner. Words won’t do this exquisite volley any justice, so you’ll just have to watch it for yourself.
John McGinn scored THE goal of the day.
No arguments. ? pic.twitter.com/95LlLOyvjX— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) September 22, 2018
That was his first goal in England and he’ll struggle to top it.
Sadly for the Scottish international, it counted for nothing as his side were booed off, after a 2-1 defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
The Bad: Toothless Town held by Gritty Trotters
Speaking of computer games, if you were an Ipswich fan you’d probably wishing your side could start again.
It’s fair to say it hasn’t been the ideal start to life at Portman Road for Paul Hurst.
The new Ipswich Town boss is yet to win as manager and his side went into their home tie with Bolton at the foot of the Championship table.
After yet another week of action in the EFL, they still remain winless.
To add insult to injury, Wanderers had to play more than half the game with 10 men, after Marc Wilson was sent off for a rash challenge on Kayden Jackson.
Ipswich failed to make their numerical advantage count and were frustrated by a stubborn Bolton side.
The Trotters held out to take a thoroughly deserved point, one they will be thrilled with after a testing fortnight on and off the pitch.
For Hurst and his side, it was a huge opportunity missed to get that huge monkey off their back.
Town fans will be hoping their misfiring strikers can show their teeth sooner rather than later…
The Ugly: Stanley show their teeth
Someone who certainly won’t have been showing their teeth this weekend was a supporter at the Crown Ground.
Our EFL columnist James had an incident last week he thinks he’ll never have to report on again. Like James, I’m sure I’ll not be able to sink my teeth (bad) into a story like this any time soon.
Found: Has anybody lost their false teeth at Accrington Stanley this afternoon? They are being kept in the office! ? pic.twitter.com/HA66wikU74
— Accrington Stanley FC (@ASFCofficial) September 22, 2018
Accrington Stanley posted the above during their League One clash with AFC Wimbledon, to inform one supporter they’d found his dentures.
On the pitch, Stanley continued their fine form, lead by the Wisdom (getting worse) of manager John Coleman.
They defeated the Dons 2-1 to climb to 9th in the League One table.
Neal Ardley’s side sit 19th after their latest defeat and it’s fair to say they’re developing a sweet tooth away from home (I’ll stop).
