John Swift accusation made in West Brom draw v Burnley, Sky Sports pundit stunned
West Brom are looking to reinforce a place in the top six but faced a tough test at Turf Moor against Burnley in midweek.
The contest in Lancashire ended a respectable 1-1, the Baggies finding a way past a resolute Burnley defence via a terrific free-kick from John Swift inside the first 20 minutes.
Zian Flemming took advantage of an error from Joe Wildsmith to quickly level the scores, as Albion worked hard to preserve a point.
Swift silenced a few critics with not only the strike but an encouraging performance, as Albion look to prove they can deliver against the automatic promotion contenders in the Championship.
Swift accusation made by Andy Walker
Swift has a point to prove to Tony Mowbray, having been dipped in and out of the West Brom starting XI and having not played a full game since October.
The former Chelsea midfielder, 29, was also left on the bench for the win over QPR at The Hawthorns last Saturday (8 March).
Having drawn the foul from Josh Brownhill on the edge of Burnley’s box, Swift lined up and duly soared home a superb strike, into the top corner leaving James Trafford with no chance.
Dutchman Flemming would equalise just three minutes later, but in the aftermath of Swift’s goal to give the Baggies a brief lead, Sky Sports co-commentator Andy Walker accused the midfield man of bringing the ball into a more favourable position than where the foul took place.
“Do you know, I think they did take it back two or three yards to help them,” Walker highlighted (11 March, 20:07).
“I think the foul was right outside the box and he’s taken it back a few yards and it helps him generate the power. It helps him get the dip on the ball and it’s a wonderful free-kick.
“Look where he’s taken it from, the foul was inside the ‘D’, I’m sure.”
West Brom have to fend off a huge chasing pack
Last season, West Brom were organised under Carlos Corberan, and despite the odd poor result were able to smoothly coast into a top-six berth.
The Albion were beaten over two legs by play-off winners Southampton, who have made a poor example this season of how to remain established as a Premier League club and will be straight back into the EFL within a few weeks.
It comes as a double task for clubs these days, such is the gulf in quality – and crucially revenue – between the Premier League and Championship.
| 2024-25, Championship | APPS | STARTS | GOALS | ASSISTS |
| John Swift | 32 | 16 | 3 | 1 |
For now, Mowbray will be fully focused on staying in the top six before any thoughts on promotion or a long-term plan of some sort for the top flight, where the Baggies last competed in 2020-21.
A gap of fewer than 10 points stretches from Albion inside the play-off places to the bottom half, with the chasing pack a massive one. The Championship at its best – but only for the neutrals.