Daryl Dike steals the show with 9/10 display – West Brom player ratings v Aldershot
West Brom booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a commanding 4-1 win over Aldershot Town on Sunday 7 January at The Hawthorns.
Carlos Corberan’s side avoided a potential banana skin in their third-round clash with the non-league side thanks to first-half goals from Nathaniel Chalobah, Jovan Malcolm, Tom Fellows and Daryl Dike on his return from a long-term injury.
The damage was done in the opening period and the Baggies were able to rest and rotate a few key players in the second half as they introduced a number of young players into the contest and waltzed their way into the next round.
West Brom News has rated the players out of 10 below;
Joshua Griffiths – 6
In his first start since the first round of the Carabao Cup had very little to do. Looked slightly shaky as a couple of crosses were swung into the penalty area but only natural considering he will have been slightly rusty. Did look incredibly relaxed with the ball at his feet with some impressive passes. Should have done more to stop the late goal but was incredibly unfortunate to not come away with a clean sheet.
Pipa – 7
A reasonably quiet afternoon for the Spaniard but he did what was required of him when he was needed. A couple of big tackles and interceptions with a few bits of quality on the ball. Possibly should have done a bit more with his effort in the closing stages and should have hit the target. Hopefully will be the platform for a more impressive second half of the season.
Kyle Bartley – 8
Had very little to do throughout the contest but as the older statesman in the Baggies’ defence led the backline well. Excellent block early in the second half to deny the away side a route back into the clash. Tried his best to recreate David Beckham’s halfway-line goal in the second half and did have Jordi van Stappershoef scrambling slightly.
Caleb Taylor – 7
Defensively strong and managed to carry the ball well out of possession on a couple of occasions. Should have maybe done more to test the keeper as his poor header in the second half drifted well wide of the Aldershot post. Was given the armband when Bartley made way which shows just how highly he’s thought of.
Erik Pieters – 7
Making his first start since October and the rustiness showed with a couple of loose passes and dodgy touches, but did everything he had to do out of possession. Didn’t play a starting role in the clash, but showed that he can still be called upon when required.
Nathaniel Chalobah – 8
Wonderful finish to break the deadlock after only a few minutes. Arrived in the box excellently to wrap his foot around Fellows’ cross and slot it into the top right corner. Did pick up a needless yellow card in the first half that will have frustrated both him and Corberan.
Alex Mowatt – 7
It was quite clear that this was a game that was almost too easy for the Baggies midfielder. Ran the show from the centre of the park with a few excellent passes and mazy dribbles but never needed to get out of second gear. Got a rest after the hour mark having put in an impressive shift.
Fenton Heard – 8
On his West Brom debut, Heard demonstrated why he is so highly thought of at The Hawthorns. While he demonstrated his quality in possession, his movement without the ball was remarkable and stole the show. Always looked to drive forward with the ball and looked like a really exciting talent. Nearly opened his account with an excellent long-range effort. Plenty in the performance to get West Brom supporters out of their seats.
Jovan Malcolm – 7
Wonderfully calm finish to double the Baggies’ lead in the opening 15 minutes as he slotted underneath the keeper. Was a livewire down the left flank but was slightly quieter when moved centrally in the second half. The young winger has plenty of potential and should West Brom find him the right loan move, he could have a big second half to the season.
Tom Fellows – 9
Deployed by Corberan in an almost right-wing-back role and still managed to have a big influence on proceedings. Great run and cross into the area to find Chalobah for the opener. A few excellent defensive interventions that demonstrated his versatility. Seems to get better and better with each performance. Deserved his goal late on with an excellent finish.
Daryl Dike – 9
Back in the team and back with a bang. Dike couldn’t have asked for a much better return to the Baggies’ starting XI as he scored on his first start in eight months with an opportunistic finish. Excellent work in the build-up to win back the ball for Malcolm’s second goal as he won back possession in the final third. Managed to get through half without injury and was rightly rested by Corberan.
Substitutes:
Akeel Higgins – 6
Cedric Kipre – 7
Sured things up well alongside an incredibly inexperienced backline in the closing exchanges.
Harry Whitwell – 7
Picked up the assist for Fellows’ late goal.
Layton Love – 6
Really unfortunate to have not scored on his debut as he lifted his late effort well over the bar.
In other West Brom news, Lewis Cox has shared an update on the Baggies prospective takeover