Championship round-up: Hat-trick heroes Sharp and Adams among top rated players

Norwich moved two points clear at the top of the Championship over the weekend after thrashing Ipswich in the East Anglian derby on Sunday. The Canaries survived a feisty affair at Carrow Road, in which Ipswich manager Paul Lambert was sent off, and cantered to a 3-0 victory.

That, however, was not the most dramatic game of the weekend in England’s second-flight. Birmingham almost blew a 4-0 lead away to Queens Park Rangers, with Lee Camp saving a penalty in the 92nd-minute to ensure all three points for the Blues. Here, we run through the top five WhoScored rated players from gameweek 31 in the Championship.

5. Teemu Pukki (Norwich) – 8.63 rating

Teemu Pukki was one of three players to reach 20 goals for the season in the Championship this past weekend after netting twice in Norwich’s win over fierce rivals Ipswich. The 28-year-old netted both of his goals in the second half to guide the Championship leaders to three points. He has now played a direct hand in six goals in his last four outings.

4. Martyn Waghorn (Derby) – 8.83 rating

Martyn Waghorn scored both goals in Derby’s 2-0 win over Hull, as Frank Lampard’s side kept pace with the play-off places. The 29-year-old has now scored or assisted five goals in his last five appearances for the Rams. Against Hull, Waghorn had six shots, more than his last six league appearances combined (2). He also registered a key pass against the Tigers.

3. Billy Sharp (Sheffield United) – 9.25 rating

Billy Sharp became the first player to reach 20 goals in the Championship this season after netting a treble in Sheffield United’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Aston Villa. The 33-year-old was fortunate that his second was allowed to stand but demonstrated a good nose for chances with all three of his goals. Sharp came off with 14 minutes remaining and his side 3-1 up before watching his team-mates crumble to a 3-3 draw. He only misses out on a place in the team of the week due to the fact Che Adams and Matt Smith garnered higher ratings.

2. Che Adams (Birmingham) - 9.55 rating

Che Adams has not let a failed January move to the Premier League impact his form for Birmingham after netting his second hat-trick of the campaign. Adams scored a first-half hat-trick in Birmingham’s thrilling 4-3 victory away to Queens Park Rangers, reaching 19 league goals for the season in the process. The 22-year-old scored from all three attempts on goal, while also completing three dribbles.

1. Matt Smith (Queens Park Rangers) – 10.0 rating

Che Adams is triumphed by his opposite number on Saturday, Matt Smith. The 29-year-old inspired QPR’s attempted comeback against Birmingham and if it was not for Nahki Wells’ missed penalty in stoppage time then QPR would have drawn 4-4. Smith scored twice and hit the target from six of his nine attempts on goal. The towering QPR striker impressively won 20 aerial duels, which is a milestone only three players have bettered in a Championship match this season.