West Ham ominous and relief for Martin - Sam Parkin's EFL takeaways

What the report says

BBC Sport Football says pundit and former EFL striker Sam Parkin used Final Score to assess the early-season picture across the Championship, League One and League Two after five weeks of fixtures. His main focus was West Ham, who have won four straight league games and moved top of the Championship after a 6-0 win over Wrexham. Parkin said their attack is starting to click, with several high-profile forwards contributing, and suggested their current form could make them a daunting opponent for the rest of the division.

He also highlighted Swansea City, who sit second on goal difference after beating Burnley 3-1. Parkin pointed to their balance, defensive organisation and depth as reasons for their strong start, while saying automatic promotion may be a stretch, play-off contention looks realistic. In another Championship note, Leicester City’s win at Stockport County was described as an important response after a heavy home defeat the previous week, with Parkin stressing the value of experienced players helping a younger squad.

In League Two, Parkin picked out Barnet, who remain unbeaten in six league matches and top the table, and Walsall, who are also unbeaten under new manager Lee Grant. BBC Sport reported Parkin’s view that Barnet’s attacking approach and Walsall’s improving defensive record and possession-based style could both support promotion challenges, though the season is still in its early stages.