Sean Fisher

Wed 21 December 2022 21:47, UK

West Brom saw their five-game winning streak come to an end at Coventry’s CBS arena with a 1-0 loss on Wednesday night.

West Brom were considered strong favourites before kick-off due to their scintillating form under Carlos Corberan, but the Baggies looked tired and lethargic in a sloppy performance against the Sky Blues.

The hosts piled on the pressure early on, but West Brom defended well and grew into the game. Corberan made a number of changes as his side continued to chase a winner, but his side suffered late heartbreak as Viktor Gyokeres scored the winner from the penalty spot in injury time.

Following the full-time whistle against Coventry, here are our player ratings for West Brom…

Alex Palmer – 8

Made two superb saves against Gyokeres early on while West Brom were trying to find their feet. Faced a bombardment of long-range shots throughout but continued to impress and stand strong. West Brom could have easily been a goal or two down in a sloppy first half if it wasn’t for Palmer’s quick reactions. Was extremely lucky to not claim a clean sheet after a heartbreaking late penalty. Man of the match.

Darnell Furlong – 5

Had an interesting duel with Callum O’Hare all night long and was often on the losing side. Phillips was required to track back and help him out occasionally but Furlong did grow into the game.

Dara O’Shea – 6

Had much more work to do than last week against Rotherham. O’Shea added some much-needed composure to the West Brom defence and didn’t buckle when Coventry were piling on the pressure. His distribution was good throughout.

Erik Pieters – 3

Almost had a huge mix-up with Palmer in the second half that could have resulted in disaster. Was outshone by O’Shea and gave away the crucial penalty in the dying minutes. Corberan may reconsider playing him at the back next week.

Conor Townsend – 4

Sloppy start to the game, giving away the ball numerous times in nervous fashion. Improved hugely after the break with a couple of important tackles but hardly offered any attacking threat down the left.

Jed Wallace – 5

Tried his best to break down the Coventry defence but lacked quality in the final third. He played both on the left and right wing as Corberan tried to add some unpredictability to his side, but Wallace will be frustrated to have not carved out more openings for his strikers.

Okay Yukuslu – 6

Hugely important in the first half. Made a number of interceptions and tackles in the heart of the pitch, and was constantly asking for the ball while Coventry relentlessly pressed. Slowed down a bit after the break and wasn’t very threatening going forward, but was one of the only West Brom midfielders to consistently keep hold of the ball.

John Swift – 4

A very forgettable performance from the 27-year-old. Started centrally alongside Yukuslu but was shifted out wide to make space for Jayson Molumby in the second half. Failed to carve any clear-cut chances from midfield and gave away the ball cheaply on too many occasions.

Matt Phillips – 3

Anonymous in the first half. Corberan was forced to swap him with Jed Wallace for periods of time just to try and get him involved in play. His defensive work was admirable at times but he failed to improve after the break so Corberan hooked him off for Jayson Molumby before the hour mark.

Tom Rogic – 4

Had a huge chance to score the opener after 20 minutes but his effort lacked conviction. Rogic struggled to impose himself on the game afterwards and was withdrawn for Taylor Gardner-Hickman after a quiet performance.

Brandon Thomas-Asante – 4

Was starved of service throughout by a poor West Brom midfield and struggled to get himself involves when the Baggies were put under pressure. Did well in patches to carry the ball forward in an isolated position, but Corberan turned to Daryl Dike when searching for a late goal.

Substitutions

Jayson Molumby – 5

Came on for Phillips in the second half and slotted into midfield to provide more stability to the side. Put in a few important tackles but struggled to add any creativity to the side late on.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman – 5

Wasn’t able to impact the match after coming on. Booked for complaining at the penalty call.

Daryl Dike – 6

Was much more involved than Thomas-Asante before him and made himself available in almost every attack. His movement was very good but he was hardly given a sniff at goal.

Grady Diangana – N/A

Was only handed a few minutes towards the end.

In other West Brom news, Ron Gourlay gives the green light to investigate £3.7million Jeremy Peace loan