Sky Sports pundit delivers ‘so lucky’ verdict after controversial first-half incident in Sunderland v West Brom
Sky Sports co-commentator Andy Hinchcliffe described West Brom as “so lucky” to get away with a first-half incident of their Championship clash at Sunderland on Saturday (9 December).
The Baggies were in control of the early exchanges at the Stadium of Light but Sunderland had the ball in the back of the net after 14 minutes.
Alex Palmer was caught dawdling and, although he made an initial save from his error, the ball was recycled and Jobe Bellingham bundled home from close range.
The offside flag came to the Baggies’ rescue, but it looked a contentious decision and Hinchcliffe – on co-comms for Sky’s live coverage of the game – thinks the visitors got away with one.
“Oh they’re so lucky to get away with this Palmer and West Brom, just as they were starting to force the issue,” he said.
“He just takes too long, he’s laboured in possession, he’s closed down and then he’s just very lucky to escape when the initial shot comes in.
“I’m presuming they’re saying Bellingham is offside but that is an incredibly tight call, (Patrick) Roberts is in an offside position, but he’s not affecting play, Bellingham to me looked level with those West Brom defenders, so very, very fortunate the away side there.”
The score remained 0-0 at half-time, with West Brom looking to push for a winner after the break.
Got away with one
There is absolutely no disputing the fact that the Baggies, and particularly Palmer, absolutely got away with one on this occasion, Sunderland will rightly feel aggrieved that this one was chalked off.
What is particularly frustrating is that West Brom were the ones forcing the issue early doors and Alex Mowatt was unlucky to see an effort bend just narrowly wide of the left-hand post.
But as is so often the case the team in the ascendancy takes their eye of the prize for just a second, and that is what happened here. Palmer simply had to move the ball quicker to a teammate or launch a kick downfield.
He did neither, Sunderland were quick to pounce and had the ball in the back of the net. Fortunately, on this occasion, an offside flag that shouldn’t really have been raised ensured that the away side were handed a reprieve. Palmer more than anyone will have breathed a huge sigh of relief.
In other West Brom news, Ahmed Hagazi sent a message to Matt Phillips after the winger’s unfortunate news this week.