George Overhill

Fri 11 March 2022 21:53, UK

West Brom somehow found a late resurrection to find two goals from nowhere and draw with Huddersfield Town at the Hawthorns.

An appalling error from Sam Johnstone gifted the visitors the lead, and another poor mistake allowed Danny Ward to score his second, as the visitors thoroughly outplayed the Baggies for the majority of the game.

A soft late penalty, dispatched by Karlan Grant, followed by Andy Carroll’s first goal for the club saw the game completely transformed in the closing stages, as Steve Bruce’s side all improved immeasurably and could have won it late on.

Here West Brom News rates the players from tonight’s game.

Sam Johnstone – 1

Appalling error to give the visitors the lead as he allowed Ward to close him down and block his clearance straight into the net, an unbelievable way to negate strong work from his team. Did well to keep out a Tom Lees header after half-time. Didn’t hold O’Brien’s shot giving Ward a tap in for the second.

Semi Ajayi – 6

Crucially cut out Lewis O’Brien ball early on when he was the last man to prevent a dangerous opportunity. Slow movement of the ball in build-up to goal but 90% Johnstone’s fault. Whole defence looked bad as the game went on. Floated late cross to assist Carroll goal.

Kyle Bartley – 5

Showed his pace to break up an early attack. Went close with an overhead kick that would have shocked everyone in the ground if it had gone in, then headed wide soon after from a long throw. Too many gaps at the back late on.

Matt Clarke – 3

Almost put Huddersfield clean through when he tried to play offside despite not being the last man, let off only by poor control from the attacker. Could have had a penalty when dragged down at a corner. Booked for foul on Sorba Thomas.

Darnell Furlong – 5 (sub – Carroll ’69)

Poor challenge from behind gave Huddersfield a dangerous free kick a quarter-hour in. Was a decent outlet down the right, putting in some inviting crosses, nothing more.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman – 6

Built on strong showing against Hull. Looked busy in the opening exchanges, pressing high up and putting on good pressure. Let fly with a laser beam immediately after half time, inches wide from the edge of the box, but parried a long-ranger when he should have caught later. Booked for studs up challenge just after he was moved to wing-back. Best of a bad bunch.

Jake Livermore – 4

Couldn’t match his man of the match return from suspension against Hull, struggled to impact the game.

Alex Mowatt – 6

Went close with a superb volley from the edge of the area early. Displayed wonderful technique to dispatch a dropping ball, drawing a good save from Lee Nicholls. Put his head on as Thomas conceded penalty with high boot, despite winning the ball.

Conor Townsend – 4

Booked for a late challenge immediately after the awful opening goal. Too easily beaten down the flank for most of the game.

Callum Robinson – 6

Gave chase to long balls but didn’t look like threatening the opposition goal for the majority. Busy and willing without having clear cut chances. Could have had a late penalty when clipped on the edge of the box but no luck. Suddenly found life in late flourish.

Karlan Grant – 6

Virtually anonymous, didn’t give Nicholls anything to do in the opposition goal. Nearly played in Robinson for late penalty appeal, then was taken out by Carroll. Scored the late penalty calmly then suddenly came to life as he hit the bar in closing minutes.

Substitutes

Andy Carroll – (on ’69) – 8 (Man of the Match)

Caught in possession leading to Huddersfield’s second. Crashed into Grant. Found late leveller in key contribution for first goal. Stand-out of the team despite late introduction. Headed off the line in injury-time.

Grady Diangana – (on ’84)

Looked lively in late cameo.

In other West Brom news, the manager has called for a “vitally important” transfer decision to be made.

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