Leeds United, Sunderland and West Brom fans all in agreement as Championship experts make Josh Sargent claim

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Norwich City were left disappointed by a 1-1 draw at home to Oxford United in a blow for Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side and their play-off chances.

The Canaries got off to the ideal start as in-form striker Josh Sargent converted a low cross from close range after just five minutes at Carrow Road. The assist came via Kellen Fisher, who is attracting Premier League interest.

However, the dropped points have increased the chances that Thorup’s men will miss out on the top six by the end of the season after last weekend in the Championship when Norwich dropped points against fellow play-off hopefuls Blackburn Rovers.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
6	West BromWest Brom	35	12	16	7	45	32	13	52
7	Bristol CityBristol City	35	13	13	9	45	38	7	52
8	BlackburnBlackburn	35	15	7	13	40	35	5	52
9	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	35	14	8	13	55	46	9	50
10	NorwichNorwich	36	12	13	11	57	49	8	49
11	WatfordWatford	35	14	7	14	45	48	-3	49
12	MillwallMillwall	35	11	12	12	34	36	-2	45
13	Sheffield WednesdaySheffield Wednesday	35	12	9	14	47	56	-9	45

Norwich have been the Championship’s great entertainers this season. In fact, the Canaries have scored the second-most goals in the league behind league-leaders Leeds United. The need to tighten up defensively is apparent, as is Thorup’s ability to see out games after many backed Norwich to beat Oxford.

Norwich have conceded the seventh-most in the division, which is unlikely to be sustainable if they are to achieve their play-off ambition. The main positive news is that Sargent notched his eighth goal in as many matches to continue his scinitalling form.

• READ MORE: Who will win the Championship Golden Boot race?

Norwich City’s Josh Sargent claimed to be the best striker in the league

The talismanic American international made his long-awaited return from injury in the closing stages of the Canaries’ 4-0 thrashing to Premier League side Brighton in the FA Cup in January. Groin surgery had kept him sidelined and left Thorup utilising mostly makeshift options to lead the line.

Now, Sargent is fully fit again and hoping to lead the Canaries to another play-off placing – as he did last season after a return from injury. For many, he is one of the standout strikers in the division, which is why his absence was felt in the 14-game stretch he missed recently.

The claim from the Second Tier podcast sparked debate in the replies, which we have taken a look at now. Particularly through Sunderland and Leeds fans disagreeing with the claim.

One Leeds fan commented: “Not a wild take. He’s great at this level. Having said that, I’m taking Isidor over him any day of the week.”

One Sunderland fan said: “To be fair, when he’s fully fit there aren’t many better. Obviously Wilson Isidor is better though.”

Another Leeds fan replied: “Scored a tap-in & you think he’s the best striker in the championship.”

• READ MORE: How much Championship title is worth as Leeds United and Sheffield United chase Premier League prize fund

Josh Sargent’s importance to Norwich City

Sargent is one of the elite strikers in the division, that is for certain, but he may be the most important to their team of any centre-forward in the division.

The goal numbers speak for themselves, but Sargent’s ability to allow his team to sustain pressure and attacks is also an invaluable attribute. That said, the contributions directly to goals have been outstanding this season under Thorup.

With big games against other play-off challengers to come, he is someone who could be the difference and match-winner. Clashes with Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol City, and West Brom are all likely to be crucial in determining the play-off picture, as is Sargent.