Uros Racic shines as Josh Maja scores again – West Brom player ratings v Plymouth
West Brom answered Sunderland’s call and returned to the top of the Championship with a 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
Josh Maja added to his impressive early-season tally with the crucial winner in the second half, as a lively attacking display from Carlos Corberan’s men eventually paid off.
The Baggies kept a clean sheet for the third successive contest, continuing an excellent run of form to soar back to the summit.
West Brom News rated the players out of 10.
Alex Palmer – 7
Had little to do until shortly before half-time, called upon to deny Whittaker against the run of play before thwarting Gyabi. Will be pleased with a third straight clean sheet.
Darnell Furlong – 6
Dealt okay with a lively left-winger in Cissoko – most of Plymouth’s better play was down his channel, and for the most part shut out the visitors.
Semi Ajayi – 6
Organised and committed early defending, preventing Hardie in the opening stages after the occasional threat, and weathered the late pressure from Argyle well.
Kyle Bartley – 6
Had his work cut out against Hardie in the first half and did gift possession to Whittaker for a first-half Plymouth chance, solid thereafter.
Torbjorn Heggem – 7
Looked to get forward as much as possible and recycled the ball very well, rarely giving away possession, and adapted as the game went on and defending became the priority.
Alex Mowatt – 8
Dictated centrally and performed well up against Randell, confidence is flowing in the midfield man from last week’s display. Was one of three man to strike the woodwork in an entertaining but frustrating first half.
Uros Racic (off for Ousmane Diakite 71′) – 8
Played an excellent part in assisting Maja for the crucial opener. Steady in the middle of the park after coming in for Jayson Molumby. Struggled in duels at times, but was all-action in the centre and delivered when it mattered.
Midfield power helps West Brom topple Plymouth
John Swift (off for Mikey Johnston 63′) – 8
Unbelievably became the third player to hit the frame of the goal before half-time, and was busy in the first half as almost everything went through him. Brought off by Carlos Corberan to allow Mikey Johnston a good runout.
Tom Fellows (off for Jed Wallace 71′) – 6
Had decent duels with Mumba and Gibson, always looks exciting on the ball and kept Grimshaw on his toes, faded out a bit more in the second half. Consistency will come, patience is required, but still a decent showing.
Karlan Grant (off for Grady Diangana 63′) – 7
Looked lively from the start, servicing Maja well and created a superb chance for himself before striking the post. Withdrawn shortly after the hour mark, can be happy with his shift.
Josh Maja (off for Lewis Dobbin 78′) – 7
You can’t give this man too many chances, opened the scoring with aplomb. On another day could have netted twice in the first half, passing up half-decent chances at both ends of the 45 minutes.
Substitutions
Grady Diangana (on for Grant 63′) – 6
Looked his usual self, which will be a relief after his injury issues.
Mikey Johnston (on for Swift 63′) – 6
Fairly quiet, but did enough to seamlessly transition into the attack.
Jed Wallace (on for Fellows 71′) – 6
Marked his 100th Baggies appearance with a professional cameo.
Ousmane Diakite (on for Racic 71′) – 6
Had big shoes to fill with Racic, but settled well.
Lewis Dobbin (on for Maja 78′) – 6
Likewise with Dobbin who came on for the dynamic Maja, worked hard.
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