Cedric Kipre shines with 8/10 MOTM display – West Brom player ratings v Plymouth Argyle
West Brom managed to get back to winning ways in the Championship with an excellent 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday 20 February.
Carlos Corberan’s side were in control for much of the clash at Home Park, with Cedric Kipre’s second goal of the season giving the Baggies a deserved lead before Mikey Johnston’s excellent strike and a tap-in from Tom Fellows ensured all three points would be heading back to The Hawthorns.
The win sees the Baggies reaffirm their place in the playoff places to move four points of seventh-placed Coventry City and one ahead of Hull City ahead of their clash at the MKM Stadium next time out.
West Brom News has rated the players out of 10;
Alex Palmer – 6
The West Brom keeper didn’t have loads to do as Corberan’s side dominated the majority of possession but when he was required to intervene, he managed to thwart Argyle’s attack with a few strong saves. Yet another clean sheet for the stopper who has been so consistent for the Baggies.
Darnell Furlong – 6
As he so often does, the right-back provided a solid presence on the right of the back four and managed to threaten with a couple of ambitious ventures up the field. Perhaps would have liked to come out on top of a few more duels
West Brom have to hand Cedric Kipre a new contract
Cedric Kipre – 8
An opportunistic finish to break the deadlock following a corner as he tapped home at the back post. The centre-back couldn’t have missed but kept his cool in the area to ensure that his effort wasn’t blocked by the crowd of bodies ahead of him. Defensively, Kipre was once again solid as he dealt with everything he had to. Surely that new contract can’t be too far away.
Erik Pieters – 7
Preferred ahead of Semi Ajayi and while the centre-back struggled to deal with some of Argyle’s pace in behind, he read the game incredibly well and managed to break up play with several solid interventions. Whether or not he will keep his place in Corberan’s starting XI remains to be seen, but he showed he still has plenty to offer in the Championship.
Conor Townsend – 7
After a slow start, Townsend came into his own in the second half with a couple of good quick runs up the field. When called into action defensively the 30-year-old made some big interventions including a massive tackle midway through the second period. His delivery into the area could have been more accurate but a solid display nevertheless.
Nathaniel Chalobah – 5
Preferred to Okay Yokuslu at the heart of the Baggies’ midfield and was slightly rusty as he looked off the pace for much of the game. Was fortunate to not give away a penalty in the opening exchanges, but was also incredibly unlucky that his header was well saved seconds before Kipre tapped home to break the deadlock.
Alex Mowatt – 7
The ever-present at the heart of the Albion midfield and for good reason. Once again showcased his excellent range of passing and produced a number of excellent balls into the penalty area, including the corner which led to Kipre’s winner. When he’s at his best he can conduct a match and that is exactly what he did at Home Park.
Jed Wallace – 6
Some supporters had expected the skipper to be dropped after a poor showing against Southampton but he maintained his place in the starting XI. Was unfortunate to see a deflected shot turned onto the post in the second half when he did all that he could.
John Swift – 6
The 28-year-old was much more involved in proceedings than he was during the clash with Southampton as a lot of what Albion did well came through him with some clever flicks as he maintained possession. Was forced off after the hour mark with an injury. Hopefully, it won’t be anything too serious.
Tom Fellows – 8
As he so often is, the young winger was the Baggies’ livewire down the left flank as he repeatedly drove towards the home side’s goal with some powerful and tricky runs against Bali Mumba. While his final ball occasionally left a bit to be desired he made amends with a comfortable late goal to round off an incredible evening for Fellows.
Will West Brom sign Andi Weimann permanently?
Andi Weimann – 4
Returned to the starting XI in place of Brandon Thomas-Asante and the Austrian proved to be incredibly wasteful in the final third. Had Albion’s only chance in the opening 45 minutes but couldn’t beat Conor Hazard and spurned a big chance wide of the post early in the second period. Weimann simply had to score, especially considering his recent form.
Substitutes
Okay Yokuslu – 6
Grady Diangana – 7
Mikey Johnston – 8
What a strike from the bench to score his second goal in an Albion shirt. The Celtic loanee will have almost certainly earned himself a start next time out. Excellent run and ball for Fellows’ goal. Would have been man of the match had he been on from the off.
Semi Ajayi – N/A
Adam Reach – N/A
In other West Brom news, an update has emerged surrounding when Yann M’Vila can make his Albion debut
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