‘Frankly…’ – Keith Hackett speaks out on Darnell Furlong incident in West Brom win vs Blackburn
West Brom kicked off their new era under Ryan Mason with a 1-0 win against Blackburn at The Hawthorns.
A goal from Isaac Price, which was assisted by new arrival Aune Heggebo, was enough to separate the two sides as Albion were comfortably the better team throughout the game.
- West Brom limited Blackburn to just 0.26 xG in the game.
Although Mason’s men were favoured to win beforehand, this will not make the result any less sweeter for those supporters who travelled to B17 for the game.
It was not all plain sailing throughout the game, however, with Darnell Furlong being sent off in the 95th minute for his second bookable offence, with ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett having his say.
This article contains exclusive comments from Keith Hackett for West Brom News.
Hackett has no sympathy for Furlong after he was sent off
Right-back was a position that Mason was previously lacking depth in, and that hole in his squad has only been highlighted following Furlong’s dismissal and subsequent suspension.
Brighton youngster Charlie Tasker was linked with a move to the Black Country, and this deal may have just moved further up the priority list when it comes to potential incomings for West Brom.
Following Furlong’s clumsy tackle that saw him booked for a second time, Hackett had this to say on the incident in an exclusive chat with West Brom News.
“Frankly, when you are sitting on a yellow card, you do not commit to that type of challenge, which was correctly sanctioned with a yellow card followed by a red.”
Chance for George Campbell to take Furlong’s position
Campbell is a centre back by trade, but could find himself shoehorned in at right-back to cover Furlong whilst he is suspended for their EFL Cup fixture against Derby.
If Campbell can impress Mason, he could find himself keeping his place in the side that travels to newly promoted Wrexham on 16 August.
Bringing in another player whose primary position is right-back would still be a useful addition for Albion before the window slams shut, with Torbjorn Heggem’s uncertain future meaning Campbell could also be needed at centre back at times this season.
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