West Brom player ratings v Watford: Okay Yokuslu flops, Alex Palmer redeems himself
West Brom played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Watford at Vicarage Road on Wednesday [20 September] to continue their rather indifferent start to the Championship campaign.
The Baggies responded brilliantly through quickfire goals from John Swift and Jed Wallace after Tom Ince had given Watford the lead inside three minutes.
Matheus Martins levelled up for the hosts with 23 minutes on the clock, but there was to be no further goals at either end as the points were shared.
Here, West Brom News rates the players for their performances in Hertfordshire.
Alex Palmer – 8
Conceded two goals, but both were well taken and he otherwise impressed with some stunning saves. He denied Jamal Lewis in the second half, but his intervention to help Ismael Kone’s header onto the crossbar from point-blank range was simply sensational.
Semi Ajayi – 3
Carlos Corberan perhaps needs to inform Ajayi that he is allowed to close opposition players down, rather than allowing them to get shots away from outside the box. That, combined with the two goals conceded, made this an evening to forget.
Cedric Kipre – 3
Played some sloppy passes, not helped by the horrible weather conditions, and was too often the wrong side of his man as Watford got in numerous times in the opening 25 minutes in particular.
Erik Pieters – 5
Won his fair share of headers and made one big block in the second half in particular. Also showed his versatility as Corberan changed tactics.
Darnell Furlong – 6
Caught horribly out of position for Watford’s opening goal, but he performed much better in an attacking sense with some dangerous deliveries into the box, including the assist for Wallace’s goal.
Jed Wallace (Nathaniel Chalobah ’74) – 7
Got in ahead of his marker at the front post to tuck in Furlong’s delivery with the finish of a striker. That was his first goal of the season and should give him some confidence going forward.
Okay Yokuslu – 2
Had very little influence on the game and appeared to lack the athleticism to get near the ball at times. Lost the ball far too often and is surely now left sweating on his place in the side.
Jayson Molumby (Alex Mowatt ’58) – 5
By no means a terrible performance, but more is needed from the Republic of Ireland international. Had chances to get the ball forward quickly but was unable to do so.
Matt Phillips (Conor Townsend ’58) – 4
The theme of the night for both sides was sloppy passing, and Phillips was himself guilty of this. Not that he saw much of the ball – he played just 11 passes in his hour on the field before being replaced [WhoScored].
Brandon Thomas-Asante – 3
Forced Daniel Bachmann into a couple of fine saves and played a part in Albion’s second goal with his pass to Furlong, but he really should have taken the late chance that fell his way to win the game. Had he done so, it would have been a huge victory for the Baggies.
John Swift (Jeremy Sarmiento ’58) – 7
Free-kick from around 20 yards out flew over the wall and left Bachmann pretty much rooted to his spot. A superb piece of quality to make it four goals in six league games this season. Also played one key pass.
Subs
Conor Townsend – 6
Provided an option on the overlap down the left with his fresh legs and played one good cross of note into the opposition box, which was out of Thomas-Asante’s reach.
Jeremy Sarmiento – 5
Had the odd flash, including a good pass towards Thomas-Asante. Will now likely start against Millwall at the weekend.
Alex Mowatt – 5
Likewise, the odd moment of quality and probably done enough to justify a starting spot should Corberan wish to change things around.
Nathaniel Chalobah – 4
Got forward a few times against his former employers, but on one such instance he was easily shoved off the ball.
In other West Brom news, an opposition player was slammed for his part in one of Albion’s goals.