Okay Yokuslu makes West Brom promotion claim after win against Reading
Okay Yokuslu admitted automatic promotion is not out of the question for West Brom this season, as they continued their remarkable run of form by claiming three points against Reading, as quoted by Birmingham Live.
The Baggies battled their way to a 1-0 win on Monday (2 January) thanks to Daryl Dike’s second-half goal, making it eight wins from ten games since Carlos Corberan’s arrival at the Hawthorns.
After languishing in the relegation zone under predecessor Steve Bruce, the Spanish manager has overseen a remarkable turnaround that sees the Baggies sit just a point of the top six and 11 points off second-placed Sheffield United.
Speaking to Birmingham Live following victory over the Royals, the Turkish midfielder admitted he didn’t think it was “impossible” to claw their way into an automatic promotion spot.
He said: “Yes, to be honest, we look at the table, I cannot lie. At the same time, we know the season is very long. Especially in this division you can lose your position in two games. Game by game, we need to focus on every one.
“That’s what we are doing right now. There’s a big gap to second, but I think it’s not impossible, if we play like this. We are going to aim high, and we’ll see what is going to happen.”
Perfect start to 2023
Yokuslu has been a key cog in Corberan’s works in recent weeks, netting a double in a man-of-the-match display against Preston. He showed silky footwork to score a sublime 30-yard screamer to open affairs before grabbing a second with a delicate finish.
The Turkish international is right in saying that the Baggies are in a promotion hunt, as their rise up the table has been so stark in such a short period of time.
Now sitting just a point off the top-six, promotion is by no means out of the question, but to reel in high-flying Sheffield United would be quite some feat. Their crunch clash against Burnley on Friday 20 January will be a true test of their promotion credentials, and if they can claim points at Turf Moor, the Baggies may fancy their chances.
The Baggies have a weekend of respite from Championship action as they face Chesterfield in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday (7 January).
In other West Brom news, a finance podcaster has sent a message to lawyers about Albion’s latest financial statement.