George Overhill

Mon 12 December 2022 21:55, UK

Daryl Dike and Tom Rogic both scored their first goals for the club as West Brom came from behind to win 2-1 at Sunderland in a scruffy game.

A sluggish first half after a few weeks out of competitive action, which saw Albion largely second best and far too open at the back, turned against them when Conor Townsend clumsily brought down Amad Diallo in the box for a penalty which he scored.

A flurry of Carlos Corberan substitutes midway through the second half made a major difference, with two of the new arrivals combining as Daryl Dike laid it off for Tom Rogic to score his first in Baggies colours, before Jed Wallace curled a perfect ball over from the right for Dike to break his own duck at long last as both showed signs of finding their feet.

Here, West Brom News rates the Baggie players out of 10 for their performances at the Stadium of Light.

Alex Palmer – 7

Wasn’t involved hugely over the course of the game and couldn’t do anything about the penalty, but made a stunning point-blank save from Pritchard minutes after going behind to keep the Baggies in it

Darnell Furlong – 4

A weird game from Furlong where he didn’t seem especially aware of his surroundings most of the time. He wasn’t alone in looking out of sorts at the back but it was far too easy to get in behind him.

Dara O’Shea – 6

Part of a poor showing from the back line for most of the first hour but did improve somewhat in the second half. Took an elbow in the face which drew blood as he got into the game later on.

Erik Pieters (off for Gardner-Hickman ’65) – 5

Looked to be the latest defensive injury when he was replaced, after a disjointed defensive performance that allowed the hosts too much space in the opening period.

Conor Townsend (off for Reach ’65) – 4

Not a great night for the full-back. Put his side in a hole when he was beaten by Diallo and was rash with the challenge from behind in getting back to concede the penalty. Did go close-ish with a shot from outside the box when supporting the attack in the second half but was then immediately taken off.

Okay Yokuslu – 7

Wasn’t exactly sparkling but without him it isn’t hard to imagine West Brom would have been out of the game. In a match where the visitors struggled to impose any sort of control in the middle of the park Yokuslu at least looked the closest to providing it, with some neat touches and passes. Not pretty but also effective defensively late on.

Jayson Molumby (off for Rogic ’58) – 4

Very little to write home about as the midfield man was easy to miss for most of his hour. A scrappy game in midfield wasn’t aided by his ineffectiveness.

John Swift – 7

A few decent flashes and was involved in some of the best moves, but faded from prominence. Wasn’t far away with a decent long-range free kick in the first half and was incensed when he caught Danny Batth in possession half an hour in and had a clear path to goal but was brought down for only a booking.

Matt Phillips – 5

Quiet game. Should have done better with a tame finish early after the break, at the end of a nice move involving Wallace, Thomas-Asante and Swift.

Jed Wallace (off for Kelly ’86) – 9

Stood out for West Brom all through the game, providing a variety of crosses from the right hand side, and played a role in nearly all the best moves including in the build up for the equaliser. Then curled in a superb assist for Dike’s late goal to demonstrate his delivery skills at their very best. He had been sending invitations in all night until the American accepted one.

Brandon Thomas-Asante (off for Dike ’63) – 6

Industrious in attack and contributed to some decent moves but didn’t provide enough goal threat. Went close to getting on the end of a dangerous Wallace cross with the score goalless, and slightly unlucky when barged to the ground in the box after the half.

SUBSTITUTES

Tom Rogic (on for Molumby ’58) – 9

Made a huge difference when he came on. This was what had been hoped for when he arrived. Inches away from making the telling contribution with a long-range strike that drew a top save from Anthony Patterson. Succeeded with his next attempt moments later, displaying wonderful composure to curl the equaliser in with the outside of his foot.

Adam Reach (on for Townsend ’65) – 6

Involved immediately but far overshadowed by his fellow substitute arrivals.

Daryl Dike (on for Thomas-Asante ’63) – 8

Could this finally be the start of what fans have been waiting for? Very nice cameo where he picked up an assist with the lay-off for Rogic’s equaliser, then finally netted his first for the club by nodding in a wonderful Wallace cross. Highly encouraging.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman (on for Pieters ’65) – 5

Didn’t manage to make much of an impression.

In other West Brom news, a Sky Sports pundit was wowed by one man early in the first half at the Stadium of Light.