Dan Carter

Fri 29 December 2023 22:12, UK

West Brom made it consecutive Championship wins with an impressive display to beat Leeds United 1-0 at The Hawthorns on Friday 29 December.

Carlos Corberan’s side got the better of Daniel Farke’s side in a crucial top-six clash thanks to Grady Diangana’s first-half strike, while the Whites felt slightly aggrieved to not have won a penalty after several close calls went Albion’s way.

The win sees the Baggies close the gap to Leeds to only three points and they are now five points clear of Sunderland in seventh as they continue their Championship playoff push.

West Brom News has rated the players out of 10 below;

Alex Palmer – 6

Had a couple of shaky moments when coming to claim crosses and was lucky Joe Rodon failed to convert early in the second half as punched air trying to clear the ball. Despite Leeds’ possession, the West Brom number one didn’t have many saves to make. Yet another clean sheet but far from his best display.

Darnell Furlong – 7

Had the tough task of trying to keep Crysencio Summerville quiet but did it well for most of the game. Was fortunate that Sam Byram drifted offside in the first half when he thought he’d found an opener as the Baggies defender was caught napping. Got involved plenty in possession and would have hoped to just have a bit more quality in the final third.

Cedric Kipre – 8

Once again phenomenal in possession but was unfortunate to see a first-half effort cleared off of the line by Djed Spence, but incredibly lucky to not give away a penalty as he pulled Wilfried Gnonto to the ground. Would have been a soft penalty to concede but put himself in a dangerous position. Did what he had to earn a huge clean sheet.

Semi Ajayi – 7

Was fortunate to not give away a penalty early in the match after he caught Georginio Rutter with a sliding tackle. He handled the away side’s attacking talent well but was fortunate the referee didn’t punish him. Better defensively than Kipre but still far from perfect.

Conor Townsend – 8

Provided an attacking threat from the left flank and won more tackles than any player on either side [Fotmob]. Should have got the ball in the area quicker at times but managed to provide an attacking presence to pin Djed Spence and Gnonto back.

Jayson Molumby – 5

Deployed in a more advanced role in John Swift’s absence and provided plenty of energy. Was unable to test Karl Darlow with any of his four efforts on goal as he was slightly wasteful in the final third. Not a terrible performance but little to suggest he should regularly start ahead of Swift.

Okay Yokuslu – 8

Magic pass to pick out Wallace for Diangana’s opener. Cut the Leeds defence in half with the pass between the lines that none of the home side’s defence or midfielders were able to deal with. Should have probably scored when a corner rebounded to him in the box but the West Brom midfielder could only smash over the bar. Defensively resolute as supporters will have come to expect.

Alex Mowatt – 6

Gave the ball away needlessly in the opening exchanges against his former club. Only managed to play two balls into the final third, but came out on top of most of his attacking duels. Not his normal attacking display and would have hoped for better before being replaced on 74 minutes.

Jed Wallace – 9

Several wicked deliveries into the penalty area caused the away side a few problems. Incredible ball into the box to set up Diangana’s opener. Every time he got on the ball he carried an immense threat that Leeds were unable to deal with. No player created more than his three chances as he bombarded the box with 11 crosses. Worrying to see him withdrawn with an injury but hopefully, he won’t be sidelined for too long.

Brandon Thomas-Asante – 7

Another tough evening for the forward as he led the line on his own. Was working off scraps as Leeds dominated the ball but managed to be effective with his few touches. Held the ball up well and was crucial in helping the Baggies claim all three points. An unselfish performance up top.

Grady Diangana – 8

Broke the deadlock with an opportunistic finish. Had barely touched the ball before that but stepped up when his side needed him. Worked hard defensively but saw very little of the ball. Got the all-important goal and showed how he can be a difference maker but all in all a quiet evening before he was replaced.

Substitutes

John Swift – 6

Kyle Bartley – 6

Adam Reach – 6

Nathaniel Chalobah – 6

Jeremey Sarmiento – N/A

In other West Brom news, a supercomputer has predicted the Baggies chance of finishing in the playoff places this season