View: 9/10 ace MOTM, worst player scores 4/10 – West Brom player ratings v Newcastle
Ratings by Luke Pollard
West Brom were knocked out of the FA Cup by Newcastle United on Tuesday night after losing 3-2 at The Hawthorns.
Slaven Bilic made nine changes from the starting line-up he named against Wigan on Saturday and it was telling that those who came in took their time to get settled down as Miguel Almiron’s brace put Newcastle 2-0 up at half time.
Valentino Lazaro added to the away side’s lead just after the break but that sparked an improved second-half performance by West Brom, who managed to claw back a respectable scoreline through goals by Matt Phillips and substitute Kenneth Zohore.
After attending the match, West Brom News’ guest blogger Luke Pollard (@LukeyP_wba) has since rated the players for their performances out of 10:
Jonathan Bond – 4
Spilled a couple of shots and should have done better with Newcastle’s third.
Darnell Furlong – 5
Good in attacking areas, tried to partner with Phillips and crossed the ball well. Was caught out of position a few times, such as Newcastle’s third goal.
Dara O’Shea – 6
Dealt with a lot of balls in the air and managed to win a lot of headers but struggled against the pace and power of Almiron and Joelinton.
Kyle Bartley – 5
Tried to marshall the defence but was a bit too slow when ball was at his feet. Nightmare defending for their second.
Kieran Gibbs – 5
Good to see him get 90 minutes after his recent injury. Tidy on the ball, willing runner forwards but lost runners during defending.
Gareth Barry – 4
Very poor showing. Gave the ball away a lot and didn’t have the legs to keep up with play. Lucky to not be hauled off at half-time.
Chris Brunt – 5
He tried. He put in a few good balls in the box and attempted to get further up the pitch to support the lone striker but, like Barry, struggled with the pace.
Rekeem Harper – 6
Steady game. Put himself around the midfield, always showed for the ball.
Kyle Edwards – 7
Direct running, taking on defenders and had a few decent opportunities before supplying an assist.
Matt Phillips – 9 (MOTM)
Quiet opening 20 minutes but grew into the game. Scored one, had one cleared off the line and Danny Rose was booked for fouling him. Man of the match.
Charlie Austin – 5
Willing runner, had a decent shot but was well marshalled out by Newcastle’s centre-backs.
Substitutes:
Filip Krovinovic – 8
Changed the game when he came on. Ball stuck to his feet and was very nearly scored. He can easily play in a Premier League team.
Kenneth Zohore – 5
He did manage to score and chased lost balls, using his pace and power to nudge a few defenders away.
Rayhaan Tulloch N/A
In other West Brom news, Darren Fletcher has criticised Albion fans for the poor atmosphere at The Hawthorns on Tuesday.