Rob Jarvis

Tue 8 December 2020 20:30, UK

West Brom midfielder Matt Phillips returned to the fold on Sunday afternoon and was handed a new role against Crystal Palace.

With Conor Townsend ruled out until January through injury, the Scotsman started in left-wing back at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies were on top with the scores at 1-1, but a red card to Matheus Pereira saw Palace take control and eventually win 5-1 on an embarrassing afternoon.

Phillips was one of the shining lights.

The 29-year-old will have been asked to be solid in defence but get forward to provide more threat in the final third – something he did expertly.

Starting with his defensive record, Phillips completed seven interceptions according to WyScout, won 60% of his defensive duels and made five recoveries.

Going forward, he shined as well.

Phillips assisted five shots on goal, completed 100% of his attempted dribbles and even had three touches in the Palace box throughout the game.

Surprisingly, these are even better numbers than Townsend and more performances like this could see him cement his spot in the Premier League.

Kieran Gibbs wasn’t involved at all against Palace and would have been the smart option to start in that left-back position.

Slaven Bilic claimed he was touch-and-go after returning to training, meaning that he should be back available for the trip to St James’ Park.

Whether he is back or not, Phillips must be guaranteed to start in the North East.

The 29-year-old must be rewarded for his shining display and is certainly no longer an outcast at the Hawthorns after stepping up against Palace.

In other West Brom news, these Baggies fans outraged by Matheus Pereira update

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