Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Tue 7 April 2026 7:00, UK

Daryl Dike will be encouraged after Josh Maja‘s performance in West Bromwich Albion‘s 0-0 draw with Blackburn.

The Baggies lacked firepower at Ewood Park on 6 April as they were held by their fellow relegation strugglers.

James Morrison went with a front two of Maja and Aune Heggebo, but it did not work out the way that he wanted it to.

The Nigerian striker was arguably worse than the Norwegian despite the former missing two golden chances to score.

West Brom need goals in the final few weeks to avoid the drop, and Dike will be licking his lips after the Easter Monday stalemate.

What did Maja do as West Brom share points?

Maja has not reached the heights expected of him for West Brom this season, after notching 12 Championship strikes in the last campaign.

He had 36 touches against Rovers, with just one of those coming in the opposition box in the contest, per Fotmob.

He failed to record a single shot, but did create one chance for a teammate, and made five passes into the final third.

Maja did not succeed with the only dribble that he attempted and completed just 69 per cent of his passes.

It was not the kind of performance that Morrison’s side needed from one of their forwards, especially given the trouble that they are in.

How did Dike perform vs Blackburn?

Dike had more touches in the opposition box than Maja with two, despite only being on the pitch for 18 minutes.

The American forward also managed one shot, which was blocked by the opposition, again more than his fellow attacker.

The 25-year-old has perhaps enhanced his chances of a starting berth in the final six games of the campaign, given the interim manager something to think about.

It would be the perfect redemption after the constant injury struggles through the years in his time with the Black Country club, if he worked his way back into the side and kept them in the division.

Both strikers are out of contract in the summer, and will have to fight to earn extensions after miserable seasons, and Dike may now feel like he can edge his teammate out at a crucial period.