Andy Hinchcliffe waxes lyrical about ‘brilliant’ West Brom goalkeeper Alex Palmer v Burnley
Sky Sports commentator Andy Hinchcliffe was left gushing over West Brom goalkeeper Alex Palmer after his “brilliant” save denied Burnley a near-certain goal in the 2-1 defeat.
The Baggies took an early lead over the Championship table-toppers through Darnell Furlong after just seven minutes but were almost caught out by Vincent Kompany’s team as the first half went on.
As the ball was chipped over the West Brom defence into the path of Barnes – who whipped a devilish ball across the face of goal – Erik Pieters took a swipe at it and diverted it goal bound from barely two yards out.
Speaking on Sky Sports (20 January, 20:34 PM), Hinchcliffe detailed the amazing pin-point reactions of Palmer, saying: “It’s brilliant goalkeeping.
“It’s all about instinct, really, because the defender is right on top of him [Palmer].
“Excellent timing of the run from Ashley Barnes, the touch, the cross, everything is right, but I think it is the right foot of Alex Palmer that sticks out and keeps the ball out of the net.
“When you’re a goalkeeper in this position and you have your defence right in front of you, it’s about just how quickly you can react, and he does brilliantly.”
Stunning form
Palmer has been in outstanding form since the arrival of Corberan earlier this season, contributing towards a run of five clean sheets from their seven Championship games after the World Cup break.
The save to deny Pieters’ mistimed clearance was simply spectacular, and it will be hard to find a better stop from Palmer this season. The reactions from barely a yard or two away were incredible and denied the Clarets a near-certain equaliser.
After the sacking of Steve Bruce earlier this season, Carlos Corberan decided to make his team hard to beat, and that has to always start with your defence. After securing three clean sheets prior to the mid-season break, the Baggies’ backline, including Palmer, have been in sublime form.
And if the club are going to mount a serious promotion charge and look to reel in Sheffield United and Burnley in the automatic promotion spots, they will have to continue in the same vein – it is critical to bounce back after this defeat.
In other West Brom news, Albion are trying to sign this Brighton player on loan.