Mikey Johnston stinks out Riverside – West Brom player ratings v Middlesbrough
Tony Mowbray has opened his new account as West Brom manager with a frustrating 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough on Tuesday.
The Baggies were handed a first-half setback as Hayden Hackney fired past Alex Palmer from range, giving the goalkeeper absolutely no chance in between the sticks on 21 January.
Albion created few chances in the second half, only to be completely finished off seven minutes from time as Ben Doak curled a beautiful strike past the Baggies shot-stopper.
West Brom News rated each player’s performance out of 10.
Alex Palmer – 5
Absolutely nothing Palmer could do about either of Boro’s goals, though his hesitation to claim crosses caused a lot of unneeded stress to the defenders in front of him.
Darnell Furlong – 7
Calm, composed, and created multiple half-chances throughout the game. He rarely puts a foot wrong when it comes to making challenges and that was also the case against Boro.
Mason Holgate – 6
A much more comfortable display from the Everton loanee, in comparison to his previous displays in front of a frustrated Baggies crowd. Had the potential to score an equaliser but saw his effort saved.
Torbjorn Heggem – 5
Remained strong in defence whenever coming up against the likes of Emmanuel Latte Lath, Delano Burgzorg and Finn Azaz but failed to throw water on the fire before Boro’s goals.
Callum Styles – 5
Always probing and pushing, trying to help Mikey Johnston ahead of him, even attempting an ambitious shot of his own in the second half. Struggled to contain Ben Doak for the entire game.
Tom Fellows – 7
Will be giving Neto Borges nightmares for the next few nights after tormenting him down the right flank. Got himself into good areas but was lacking the final pass, the same as his teammates.
Jason Molumby (Off for John Swift 66′) – 4
Had a very limited impact on proceedings at the Riverside before being replaced just after the hour mark. Remained accurate with his passing but was often second-best in the middle of the park.
Alex Mowatt – 6
An assured performance from the Englishman in the centre of midfield. Continued to battle away, winning the majority of his duels and kept pushing his teammates to find an important equaliser.
Mikey Johnston (Off for Devante Cole 78′) – 3
Far too passive when in possession of the ball, usually passing backwards or running away from goal rather than taking his man on and delivering dangerous crosses into the penalty area. Frustrating.
Grady Diangana – 5
Always ready to put his body on the line and press the Boro defence but, having exerted himself in the first half, he was far quieter in the second 45.
Karlan Grant (Off for Jed Wallace 66′) – 6
Did everything in his power to push the Baggies forward in the absence of Josh Maja, completing dribbles, pressing the Boro defence, and creating key chances at the Riverside.
Substitutions
John Swift (On for Molumby 66′) – N/A
Jed Wallace (On for Grant 66′) – N/A
Devante Cole (On for Johnston 78′) – N/A
In other West Brom news, a new transfer broke down just moments before kick-off v Middlesbrough.
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