‘My man of the match’ – Exclusive: Phillips thrilled by ‘stand-out’ West Brom player v Blues
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips was delighted with what he saw from Matheus Pereira as West Brom resumed their Championship season with a draw against Birmingham last week.
Albion had most of the ball and were camped inside Blues’ defensive third for most of the match but failed to find a breakthrough in a game that ended 0-0.
It was the third Championship match on the bounce where Slaven Bilic’s side have failed to score and, consequently, failed to win.
However the point against Blues did see West Brom move top of the Championship table and there were other positives that were pointed out by ex-Albion striker Phillips, who was impressed by what he saw from Pereira.
“It wasn’t a great game of football,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“You have to give credit to Birmingham, they’re always a tough team to play against. With it being the first game it was always going to be sluggish with the tempo not quite there.
“Pereira was probably my man of the match. Although he came off towards the end, he was one of the stand-out players of the day. It looks like he’s come back and hit the ground running.
“I wouldn’t say he was outstanding but was one of the better players on the pitch on the day – which he has been many times this season.”
Pereira was definitely one of the best players on the pitch on Friday but he was nowhere near as good as he has been at times this season for West Brom.
The Brazilian attacker, who is due to sign permanently from Sporting CP after earning his 30th start versus Blues, won fouls, created opportunities, had some shots and was a constant nuisance for the away side.
However, he and his attacking team-mates lacked that bit of spark that was needed to find a breakthrough.
Hopefully, when the Baggies play Brentford on Friday night, they will have rediscovered their form in front of goal.
In other West Brom news, fans have said it’s “Berahino all over again” after this player update was announced.
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