Jayson Molumby struggles again with 2/10 stinker, best performer scores a 6/10 – West Brom player ratings vs Swansea City
West Brom kicked off 2024 in a disappointing fashion as they were beaten 1-0 by Swansea City on Monday (1 January).
The Baggies entered the game in South Wales on the back of successive 1-0 victories, but they were undone by Liam Cullen’s 55th-minute strike.
Albion, who were without the injured John Swift and announced before the game that Jeremy Sarmiento has returned to parent club Brighton, remain fifth in the Championship as a result of the defeat.
West Brom News has rated the performance of every Albion player, using data provided by Sofascore and WhoScored.
Alex Palmer – 6/10
The torrential rain in Swansea meant that this was going to be a testing afternoon for Palmer. In fairness, he collected pretty much every ball that came into the box and made one superb save to deny Harry Darling in the first half.
Darnell Furlong – 4/10
Townsend was far more of a threat of Albion’s starting full-backs. That said, Furlong did have a good chance to score for Albion with a header around eight yards out, but he was unable to find the target. None of Albion’s players covered themselves in glory for the defending for Swansea’s goal.
Kyle Bartley – 5/10
No player registered more clearances (three), despite the fact Bartley was on the field for just 65 minutes before being taken off. For all that, he will be disappointed with the manner of the goal conceded.
Cedric Kipre – 5/10
Has been one of Albion’s most consistent performers this season and he was heavily involved prior to being taken off shortly after the hour mark as Carlos Corberan rolled the dice.
Conor Townsend – 5/10
Heavily involved with his runs down the left-hand side, which Corberan was eager to encourage. Found himself in some very good positions, but none of his four crosses were defined as accurate – i.e. he was unable to find a team-mate when getting himself in those promising positions.
Okay Yokuslu – 6/10
Very composed on the ball as ever, with no Albion player bettering his 92-per-cent pass-completion rate, while his 76 touches were also the most of any visiting player prior to his late substitution. Perhaps could have forced the issue more in an attacking sense, before he later moved into defence as Corberan chopped and changed tactics.
Alex Mowatt – 5/10
Albion’s midfield was overrun too easily at times, particularly around the time of Swansea’s goal. Mowatt certainly got on the ball often enough, but what was there to show for it? Not a terrible display but not great, either.
Tom Fellows – 6/10
Handed a first Championship start of the season but, like every Albion attacker, he just could not take the game by the scruff of the neck. Did show some very encouraging signs in the second period and went close with one shot, while his two successful dribbles were also a team-high. More to come from him.
Jayson Molumby – 2/10
Once again fielded as the most advanced of West Brom’s midfielders and once again he failed to perform, leading to him being taken off. The Irishman’s only shot was wayward and he did not register a single key pass. To put that in some perspective, seven other Albion players registered at least one.
Grady Diangana – 4/10
Had just 27 touches of the ball, which showed how little he was involved in proceedings. Did not beat an opponent once and failed to register a shot, which is not good enough and explains why he was hauled off in the second half.
Brandon Thomas-Asante – 4/10
Drifted to the channels well and had a couple of lively moments, but he is ultimately the focal point of this side and he was on the periphery for far too long. Had one good opportunity in particular and was unable to convert.
SUBS
Nathaniel Chalobah (on for Cedric Kipre 65′) – 6/10
Offered a bit more of an attacking threat than, say, Molumby, but it was a case of same old as Albion just could not create much of note.
Semi Ajayi (on for Kyle Bartley 65′) – 5/10
Did not actually register a single clearance, block or interception as Albion were pushing for a goal at the point he was introduced.
Adam Reach (on for Grady Diangana 65′) – 6/10
Like Chalobah, he made an impact when being brought off the bench and may well have earned himself a start for the next match. However, on the negative side, all four of his crosses failed to find a team-mate.
Pipa (on for Jayson Molumby 75′) – N/A
Erik Pieters (on for Okay Yokuslu 80′) – N/A
In other West Brom news, Paul Merson was stunned live on Sky Sports as a “terrible” Albion verdict was given.