Jed Wallace masterclass, Karlan Grant anonymous – West Brom player ratings v Norwich City
West Brom kept their Championship playoff hopes alive with a workmanlike 2-1 win over Norwich City at the Hawthorns on Saturday (29 April).
The Canaries took an early lead through Josh Sargent’s thunderous strike, before Conor Townsend replied in quite some style, netting an exquisite free-kick from just outside the penalty box.
Brandon Thomas-Asante and Townsend linked up well down the left flank to tee up Jed Wallace for West Brom’s second and Corberan’s side held on for all three points in front of the home faithful.
The result leaves the Baggies in eighth place in the Championship table and just two points off Millwall in sixth.
Here West Brom News rates the players out of ten for their performances at The Hawthorns.
Alex Palmer – 6
The Englishman couldn’t have done anything about the Canaries’ opening goal due to the power of the strike and wasn’t called into action much at all throughout the crunch promotion clash. Was competent in possession, but the keeper will have more pressing days at the office in the future.
Darnell Furlong – 7
Furlong was caught napping when Sorensen pinged a long-range diagonal right over his head and into the path of a Canaries attacker, but Palmer managed to mop up the danger. Was the less attacking full-back for Corberan’s side but defended diligently and his long throw was a surprise weapon for the Baggies.
Semi Ajayi – 6
Was gifted a lifeline after clearly standing on a Norwich boot in the penalty area, but appeals were waved away from the referee. Almost gave the Baggies the lead after half an hour when rising highest to send a bullet header towards Gunn’s goal which was parried away. Was otherwise a solid presence in the heart of defence.
Erik Pieters – 4
The centre-back was cut apart on the counter-attack early on when Sargent should have found the target but fired wide instead. Again was left wanting when Sargent slipped his marking at the back post and fired a low shot beyond Palmer to send Norwich 1-0 up. Not Pieters’ best performance for the Baggies, but he remains an integral cog in Corberan’s works.
Conor Townsend – 8
Was robbed of the ball in the build up to the opening goal but made up for this with a stunning free-kick from just outside the box. His left-footed strike had pace, power and dip and proved too hot for Gunn to handle. Was the architect for the Baggies’ second goal as well, putting a cross on a plate for Wallace to convert. Despite the early blip, the captain showed his steel with a cracking performance.
Jayson Molumby – 7
Was a classy presence in the heart of midfield for West Brom, dictating the tempo of the match with his passing range. Came close to scoring but was denied by a stunning block from Andrew Omobamidele. Kept things under control as the game progressed and went into game management mode after taking the lead. The midfielder was embroiled in some late gamesmanship antics to the amusement of the home faithful.
Okay Yokuslu – 6
Wasn’t Yokuslu’s most dynamic or memorable outing but he stuck to his task in the middle of the park well and delivered a steady Eddie performance. Marshalled Norwich’s attacking threats well and his good work went under the radar among some of the more spectacular moments of the match. Faded as the game progressed and was brought off after clutching his ankle.
Jed Wallace – 9
Fired a stinging effort just wide from 25 yards out early on and was a constant threat down the right wing. Ran Norwich ragged at times with his close control and dribbling ability, getting into great crossing positions on numerous occasions. Popped up at the back post for West Brom’s second goal, slipping his defender and poking home.
John Swift – 7
Found some nice pockets of space in the final third and wasn’t afraid to get forward, heading a good effort into the palms of Gunn early doors. Seemed to be scythed down left, right and centre as West Brom grew into the game. Was full of little flicks and smart passes in tight areas and linked up especially well with Thomas-Asante. A performance full of class by Swift.
Karlan Grant – 4
Was pretty much anonymous when compared to the impact of Wallace down the right flank, struggling to get on the ball or link up with Townsend to any degree. Did draw the foul which led to the Baggies’ opening goal – a decision which was certainly a contentious call from Norwich’s point of view. As those around him grew in importance in the second half, Grant remained quiet for West Brom and was rightly subbed off in the 75th minute.
Brandon Thomas-Asante – 8
Should have opened the scoring when played through in behind the Canaries’ defence, but the striker failed to lift the ball above the advancing Angus Gunn when one on one. A few times the former Salford City striker got into good positions but spurned the opportunity by going for the spectacular goal instead of waiting for support and playing the easier ball. However, when it really mattered, Thomas-Asante stepped up, running powerfully down the wing before laying up Townsend for the cross that led to the goal. Went for an audacious shot from the halfway line when catching Gunn off his line and his confidence grew as the game progressed. A tireless performance from the striker and one that drew applause from the Baggies faithful time and time again throughout the match.
Substitutes
Marc Albrighton – (On for Grant, 75′) – 6
Taylor Gardner-Hickman – (On for Yokuslu, 75′) – 6
Kyle Bartley – (On for Swift, 83′) – N/A
Jake Livermore- (On for Wallace, 92′) – N/A
In other West Brom news, a first-team player could be out until June if his injury return goes to plan, according to an injury expert.