Sam Stone

Wed 17 August 2022 22:14, UK

West Brom must wait for their first Championship win of the season as the Baggies were held to a 0-0 stalemate against Cardiff City at The Hawthorns.

Steve Bruce’s side struggled to break down a stubborn Cardiff defence as the Bluebirds returned to South Wales with a hard-earned point.

It was another disappointing night for the Baggies and here West Brom News has rated the players out of ten for their performances at The Hawthorns.

David Button – 5

Quiet night for the Baggies shot-stopper, but dealt with everything that was thrown at him well. Good distribution and looked calm and composed.

Darnell Furlong – 6

A solid display from Furlong, who was dependable all night. Used his pace well to deal with Cardiff’s threat on the break. Could have got forward and supported Wallace slightly more.

Semi Ajayi – 6

Another solid display from Ajayi, who was also a real threat from set-pieces for the Baggies. A key part of a solid defensive unit for Bruce’s side. Looks in good form at the start of the season. So unlucky not to score the winner in stoppage time.

Conor Townsend – 6

A solid display from the Baggies left back. He was rarely troubled defensively and put some excellent balls into the box. If Grant had been more lively, the full-back could’ve had an assist to his name. Excellent one v one defending in the second half in particular.

Dara O’Shea – 7 (Man of the Match)

Commanding display from O’Shea with some excellent passes into midfield. Untroubled defensively throughout the evening. Looks like a future captain in the making at The Hawthorns. His passing ability allows for the Baggies to play out from the back more often.

Okay Yokuslu – 6

Dictated play in the first half with some measured and accurate passing, however, he failed to make as much of an impact in the second period. Had he got on the ball more in the second period the Baggies could’ve put the Bluebirds under more pressure. Cardiff certainly grew into the game more as Yokuslu saw less of the ball.

Jake Livermore – 4

Consistent fouling in the first half was unfortunate but needs to be more streetwise. Bruce was smart to take the midfielder off at halftime after he picked up a yellow card for a needless foul in the first half. The veteran midfielder did have some good moments driving the Baggies forward and getting his side up the pitch

Jed Wallace – 6

Wallace’s immense talent is there for all to see but everyone inside The Hawthorns wants the former Millwall man to take on his man more often. Wallace is sometimes too eager to cross or shoot early when he could instead beat his man or potentially win a penalty.

John Swift – 5

Very quiet night for Swift. The former Reading man didn’t make enough of his trademark runs into the box and was guilty of not getting on the ball enough. In a tight game that needed a moment of magic, Swift had to offer more. Games like this need a moment of magic from the likes of Swift.

Grady Diangana – 6

Really exciting first half from Diangana with some electric play down the right flank. He drifted across the front four positions and was causing Cardiff plenty of problems. However, his performance completely faded in the second period. Needs to be more consistent. His end product must improve.

Karlan Grant – 5

A disappointing night for Grant. The striker made some good runs but failed to get onto the end of any through balls sent his way. Had a chance to get on the end of a pass in the first half but pulled out of a challenge with the keeper. Was lucky to stay on the pitch instead of Wallace.

Substitutes

Jayson Molumby (on for Livermore 45′) – 3

Matty Phillips (on for Wallace 67′) – 4

Callum Robinson (on for Swift 67′) – 4

Adam Reach (on for Grant 84′) – N/A

In other West Brom news, it’s not just a striker that Bruce is chasing after late in the window as he has made contact with this African international defender.

Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook for 24/7 updates from The Hawthorns during the 2022 summer transfer window