Daryl Dike sends one-word message after crazy Reyes Cleary goal away from West Brom
Daryl Dike made his return to the West Brom squad on Saturday, but did not appear off the bench against Preston North End.
West Brom beat Preston 2-1, with Mikey Johnston and Isaac Price‘s stunning goals sealing the victory to get Ryan Mason‘s side back to winning ways.
The Baggies had won just one from their previous five before the clash, and were handed a crushing loss at the hands of Millwall before the international break.
Alex Mowatt enjoyed a superb performance against Preston, with the midfielder claiming an assist and winning all but three of his nine duels.
Preston wanted a penalty after Toby Collyer brought down Harrison Armstrong in the first half, but the referee waved away their protests.
It was a former West Brom sensation that took all of the headlines on Saturday, though.
Daryl Dike stunned by Reyes Cleary strike
Dike missed the start of the season through injury and has yet to make an appearance this campaign.
The striker has struggled with several injury issues throughout his time at West Brom, but fans would have been pleased to see him return to the bench.
| Season | Daryl Dike – Appearances in all competitions for West Brom |
| 2021/22 | 2 |
| 2022/23 | 26 |
| 2023/24 | 5 |
| 2024/25 | 12 |
| 2025/26 (so far) | 0 |
The American is expected to make his return to the pitch against Watford on Wednesday, in what will be a boost to Mason’s side.
Dike was a reliable goalscorer for the Baggies in the brief period he enjoyed without injury, and will hope to recapture those levels going forward.
The striker took to Instagram on Saturday to react to a goal scored by Reyes Cleary, who left West Brom to join Barnsley in the summer.
The youngster had emerged through the academy at The Hawthorns, but made just seven appearances for the first team before departing.
The winger is enjoying life at Barnsley, however, and scored a stunning strike from well within his own half against Bradford on Saturday.
Dike reacted by saying “mawd”, with an emoji that depicts a stunned face.
- Read more: Gianluca Frabotta hits out at West Brom ‘disrespect’ as fingers pointed after Hawthorns exit
Dike has the support of Ryan Mason
Following Dike’s latest injury blow, Mason spoke out in support of his striker.
“When you’re a player and you’re injured, it’s tough, it’s challenging because you can’t do your job,” the former Tottenham interim boss said.
“Obviously, Dike’s in a position where he’s had to deal with another setback, but we’re all here for him, we’ve been supporting him, we’re pushing him, but also understanding there’s the psychological side as well that comes into it.“
The American will now hope to push on and put the injuries behind him for what would be the first time since his 2022 arrival at West Brom.
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