John Swift stepped up to the West Brom plate v Blackburn, he must be Carlos Corberan’s key man
West Brom midfielder John Swift once again proved his worth to Carlos Corberan against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday and he must be the Spaniard’s permanent go-to man in the weeks ahead.
The Baggies missed the chance to move into the playoff places in the Championship table after Ben Brereton Diaz smashed in a late free-kick to end his personal goal drought and rescue a point for Blackburn Rovers at the death.
Jayson Molumby who scored the deserved opener for Carlos Corberan’s men gave the ball away in a poor area which led to the decisive free-kick allowing their promotion rivals a route back into the game.
And the Spaniard would have by no means, been disappointed by the way in which the Baggies lost two crucial points at the last moments, especially considering their impressive home form under his watch.
Diaz’s goal was the first home goal the Baggies have conceded in more than 13 hours of football since Corberan’s first game in charge at The Hawthorns in October and it could certainly prove a decisive one in their hunt for a playoff place come to the end of the season.
The Baggies were made to rue missed opportunities against Blackburn Rovers, as Corberan’s attacking talent failed to deliver on the night, but he will have been impressed by the complete performance of one of his veteran heads in Swift who again showed his creative class when the club need him most.
The 27-year-old, given an impressive “8/10” rating, was superb in his attacking endeavour, showing just why he is Corberan’s most trusted creative force, and could well have ended the game with a crucial assist had Darnell Furlong converted his first-half header from Swift’s corner.
The former Reading man, signed last summer from the Select Car Leasing Stadium, registered three key passes, accurately completed five crosses, completed three of his five dribble attempts, created one big chance and won 50% of his ground duels in what was an instrumental and complete performance despite the disappointing result.
If the Baggies are to return back to winning ways starting against Watford next Monday, Corberan should continue to place his trust in Swift to be the creative spark Albion need to grab that coveted playoff spot.
In other West Brom news, a defender may never feature for the club again after what happened recently and may even leave for free.