Swift embarrassing 3/10, MOTM 7/10 – West Brom player ratings v Plymouth
West Brom walked away from Home Park empty-handed with a 2-1 defeat against Plymouth Argyle that wasn’t without controversy.
The Baggies had a slow start to the game but took a second-half lead through substitute Jayson Molumby before Callum Styles was harshly punished for a handball in the penalty area that led to the host’s equalising goal.
West Brom failed to have any real control of the game and looked vulnerable on the odd occasion Plymouth did attack them before conceding the second when Ryan Hardie secured a brace with minutes to go securing a 2-1 win.
Here, West Brom News rates the performance of each Baggies player.
Alex Palmer – 7
Untested for the large part of the game with West Brom seeing the majority of possession. Looked assured on the odd occasion he was called upon including an early chance in the second half when he was quick off his line before making another huge save in the final 15 minutes.
Darnell Furlong – 7
Strong defensive showing from Furlong and showed a willingness to contribute going forward. Won his duels and tackles but perhaps lacked slightly with the final touch in attack.
Mason Holgate – 6
Largely untroubled with Plymouth usually opting to attack the wide areas. Comfortable on the ball in the first half and was strong defensively when called upon. As the game went on, he became increasingly unsettled.
Torbjorn Heggem – 5
Similar to Holgate but looked slightly more shaky. Passing wasn’t as crisp as it has been in the past and allowed a few sloppy errors to creep into his game.
Callum Styles – 6
Really tidy on the ball when in possession and was solid enough when dealing with any threat posed by the hosts. Like a few players though, struggled for quality when getting into advanced positions. Incredibly unfortunate to concede the penalty.
John Swift – 3 (for Molumby 62′)
Just didn’t look up to it today and was far too laboured out of possession. Lost the ball needlessly on a couple of occasions and just struggled to up the tempo in the game, an attribute needed when playing in a two-man midfield.
Alex Mowatt – 5
Mowatt simply doesn’t work in a midfield two with Swift and that was evident in the clash. Improved slightly when Molumby was introduced but still fell suspect to giving the ball way needlessly.
Tom Fellows – 6 (for Grant 62′)
Offered more of a threat than his counterpart in Johnston but again very little actually paid off. Looked to get down the line whenever the chance was there but to little prevail.
Mikey Johnston – 5 (For Price 62′)
Like usual, it wasn’t for the want of trying for Johnston but little paid off in the final third. Passing was loose and struggled to carve out any real opportunities.
Grady Diangana – 4
Showed some quality but failed to offer any real threat and struggled to have much of an influence in the final third. Was far too weak in his duels and lost the ball too easily on many occasions.
Jed Wallace – 7 (for Diakite 4′)
Had little involvement in the game which given his lack of ability playing as a number nine, was perhaps to be expected. Played a crucial role in the opening goal with an excellent showcase of his vision to tee up Molumby.
Substitutions
Isaac Price – 6 (for Johnston 62′)
Some tidy pieces of play but little involvement after coming on.
Karlan Grant – 5 (for Fellows 62′)
Little involvement after being introduced.
Jayson Molumby – 7 (for Swift 62′)
Made an immediate impact, scoring the opening goal and showing composure in midfield, something which was lacking before his introduction.
Ousmane Diakite – N/A (for Wallace 84′)
In other West Brom news, the Baggies have shown an interest in a striker from a rival Championship club.
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