Armstrong flops with 5/10, MOTM gets 9/10 – West Brom player ratings v Oxford
West Brom managed to get over the line with a 2-0 win over Oxford United at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
While the scoreline was a slender one for a long time, the Albion were firmly in control and Alex Mowatt’s first-half strike against his former side looked enough to wrap up all three points.
Right at the death, with Oxford piling all forward, John Swift obliged to roll into an empty net on the break in the 101st minute to seal it once and for all.
Tony Mowbray will have bones to pick out of a performance which was far from perfect, but a dominant one which managed to get the job done.
West Brom News rates the performances of each player out of 10 in B71.
West Brom player ratings v Oxford United
Joe Wildsmith – 6
Untroubled throughout, neat and tidy when called upon to get his side started again. Needed a game like this to settle him into the regular routine of the number one jersey at West Brom.
Darnell Furlong – 7
Got forward well and took advantage of the lack of pressure he received defensively. Some decent deliveries from the right.
Semi Ajayi (off for Mason Holgate 41′) – 6
Directed a header just off target and was comfortable at the back, but was then forced off towards the end of the first half with another injury which will dampen Tony Mowbray’s mood given past fitness issues.
Torbjorn Heggem – 6
Fine at the back, nothing of note to call him into action but did his bit comfortably at the back. Always found a teammate in the pass, imposing against the Oxford attack.
Callum Styles – 7
Won the majority of his challenges and duels and was keen to stride forward with some good service from the left. Was given a fair test by Placheta at the start of the second half. Penalised for a strong foul with 10 minutes to go.
Alex Mowatt – 8
Orchestrated proceedings as a midfield anchor, returning to the side with the armband and tucking away the opener in front of his former fans. He enjoyed it as well. Threatened with a second-half strike from distance which Cumming did well to save.
Jayson Molumby – 7
Terrific in the first half, partnered with Mowatt well and got into the area whenever he could. Strong and disciplined in the challenge, useful in possession.
Isaac Price superb for Baggies
Tom Fellows (off for Grady Diangana 77′) – 7
Came back into the side with a point to prove and was livelier than recent performances, cutting inside off the right as much as he could and doing his defensive duty. Maybe could have varied it at times and gone outside his man.
Isaac Price (off for John Swift 77′) – 9
Set up Mowatt’s goal with an incisive threaded pass, created several chances throughout the contest and looked dangerous every time he was on the ball. Price has been a huge January signing for the Baggies.
Mikey Johnston (off for Tammer Bany 90′) – 7
Gave Kioso the run-around at times, despite at times struggling with his end product. Looked encouraging on the ball as he looks to affirm a place in Mowbray’s team.
Adam Armstrong (off for Will Lankshear 77′) – 5
Had a few shots, though little impact inside the box. West Brom have so many forward options that perhaps a two-pronged strike partnership would work better. Had a chance from Styles’ curved ball but couldn’t connect when it would have been a great opportunity.
Substitutes
Mason Holgate (on for Semi Ajayi 61′) – 6
On for the injured Ajayi before half-time. Was alert to cut out Bennett’s dangerous cross as Oxford threatened for the first time in the 64th minute.
Will Lankshear (on for Adam Armstrong 77′) – N/A
Grady Diangana (on for Tom Fellows 77′) – N/A
John Swift (on for Isaac Price 77′) – N/A
Was the lucky recipient to get on the end of the break forward in the final embers, making it 2-0 with a welcome goal.
Tammer Bany (on for Mikey Johnston 90′) – N/A