Joe Ellis

Sat 29 October 2022 14:22, UK

The Carlos Corberan reign at West Brom got off to the worst possible start as the Baggies were beaten by Paul Heckinbottom’s Sheffield United.

It didn’t take long for the Blades to go in front as Iliman Ndiate was gifted the freedom of the Albion penalty area to eventually convert a George Baldock cross after 11 minutes.

Oli McBurnie then doubled the lead 10 minutes later with a perfectly placed finish into the bottom corner to spark loud boos from the home support.

Alex Palmer – 5

In all honesty, there was nothing Palmer could do to stop either Blades goal from going in and he should be screaming at his defenders for their inability to do the very simple things correctly. He could have been a little more authoritative at times to help steady the ship somewhat.

Darnell Furlong – 3

If he didn’t have a long throw-in, Furlong would be playing semi-professional football and no better. The way he simply opened the door for Ndiaye to walk through before setting up McBurnie’s goal was simply unforgivable and Corberan has to go ballistic at him for that.

Dara O’Shea – 4

As the only natural centre-half on the pitch, you would assume that O’Shea knows how to follow his man but McBurnie simply strolled off his shoulder and he didn’t think to look around for him. He was caught ball-watching and that allowed the Scottish international time to curl into the far corner to double the lead.

Conor Townsend – 2

Playing on the left of a back three is not where Townsend is at his best and Corberan should not be making that mistake again. He was totally at fault for the opening goal, first giving the ball away and then being beaten by Tommy Doyle’s flighted pass. It’s time he was dropped, he’s robbing a living at The Hawthorns.

Matt Phillips -7

In a very unnatural right-wing-back position, Phillips was actually a very dangerous threat going forward and Ben Osborn really struggled with the Englishman’s pace and power coupled with some very clever runs. If the back five is persisted with in future, this man could be a very astute player to have in attack.

Erik Pieters – 4

Another defender, another poor day at the office. The ease at which Sheffield United were able to move through the gears and into the West Brom third will have been highly worrying for Corberan who has a mountain to climb to get this group of players resembling a stubborn backline.

Jake Livermore – 4

The club captain hooked off before 60 minutes. That tells you everything you need to know about how Livermore played against the Blades. West Brom needed their skipper to lead by example at The Hawthorns and unfortunately, he did. He was dreadful.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman – 5

It was a tough assignment in midfield as Sheffield United’s three out-numbered the two of Albion and while Gardner-Hickman tried his hardest to impact the game, he could not get the time or space to do so. Corberan has to realise the mismatch sooner than he did in future.

Jed Wallace – 4

Corberan tried to play the natural winger in a more central role behind the main striker and it simply did not work whatsoever. Wallace has always been at his best when hugging the touchline and it was only right that the boss dragged him off before the hour mark if he wanted to keep playing that system.

Grady Diangana – 6

Other than Phillips, Diangana was the only starter to emerge from the game with any kind of credit as he tried his very best to create a chance out of nothing all afternoon. His immense pace and strength make him a handful for any defender and he needed to be given the ball more often than he was.

Karlan Grant – 3

Grant might be the club’s top scorer this season but other than that, he offers absolutely nothing to the Baggies whatsoever. He can’t take a man on, he can’t hold the ball up sufficiently for his teammates to join him in attack and his pressing is laughable. Drop him now.

Substitutes:

Jayson Molumby (on for Wallace 59′) – 7

John Swift (on for Livermore 59′) – 6

Adam Reach (on for Townsend 77′) – 5

Brandon Thomas-Asante (on for Gardner-Hickman 85′) – 5

In other West Brom news, Corberan has taken inspiration from his former mentor to bring a regime across from Leeds United to the Midlands.