The striker scored his first goal since January 2024 in a win over Luton Town
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Dike scored first goal since January 2024Leads West Brom to victoryStriker has dealt with multiple injuries since moving to EnglandFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
U.S. international Daryl Dike scored his first goal in nearly a year and a half, helping lead West Brom to a 5-3 win over Luton Town on the final day of the Championship season. Dike netted in the 30th minute to give the lead and was visibly overcome with emotion as he celebrated his long-awaited finish.
Since moving to West Brom in 2022, Dike has been constantly plagued by injuries. The former Orlando City star suffered a hamstring injury in his debut season and then ruptured his Achilles in April 2023, ruling him out for nine months. After returning from that, he ruptured his other Achilles tendon in February 2024, causing him to miss another nine months.
West Brom have been patient with the striker, who was named to the starting XI for the first time on Saturday. It was his 11th appearance of the season, and a goal that will no doubt be a meaningful one as Dike heads into the summer and, ultimately, the 2025-26 season.
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Dike went on to provide an assist in the second half, too, but, even with the win, it wasn't quite enough for the Baggies to make the playoffs as they finished ninth in England's second division. Dike's goal will give the club reason for optimism, though, as everyone will hope that West Brom can finally see the best of Dike next season.
Despite the injuries, Dike has shined in the Championship when he has been healthy. He scored nine goals in 19 appearnaces on loan at Barnsley in 2021 and netted seven goals in 23 games for West Brom before going down with his injury during the 2022-23 season.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR DIKE?
West Brom's season is now over, with the club missing out on a playoff spot by four points. Sheffield United, Sunderland, Coventry and Bristil City will be the team duking it out for a chance to go up to the Premier League next season.