West Brom fans are all blown away by ‘pure class’ player during Blackburn Rovers win
West Brom kicked off their Championship season with victory over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
The Baggies took the lead early on through Isaac Price, and could have extended their lead after a good chance fell to Aune Heggebo, but Balazs Toth saved well.
Darnell Furlong was sent off late in the game after receiving a second yellow card, but West Brom held on to collect the three points.
The win marks a positive start to the tenure of Ryan Mason, with the Baggies next set to welcome Derby County on Tuesday (12 August) for the first round of the League Cup.
Baggies fans rave about Nat Phillips
Nat Phillips arrived in June, signing a three-year deal after a deal worth around £3million was agreed with Liverpool.
And the defender looks to be an instant hit at The Hawthorns, first impressing in pre-season, before blowing away West Brom fans against Blackburn.
As the visitor’s looked to get back into the game, it was often Phillips there to deny them.
The Englishman seemed to get his head on everything that came into the box, using all six feet and three inches of his frame to nod away incoming attacks.
| Nat Phillips | vs Blackburn (H) |
| Headed clearances | 11 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Recoveries | 2 |
| Tackles | 2 |
And Phillips was strong in the tackle, too, getting down to make last-ditch challenges.
When all was said and done, the defender had ended the game with 11 duels won, the most of any player on the pitch.
West Brom fans took to social media following the final whistle to wax lyrical about the new man, with one describing Phillips as “pure class”, and another suggesting that he should wear the captain’s armband.
Thinking points for Ryan Mason after Blackburn win
Mason will be very pleased to have kicked off his time at West Brom in winning style, but there will be things to think about for the Englishman.
The Baggies’ loss of control in the second half was slightly concerning, with Blackburn able to throw attack after attack at Josh Griffith’s goal.
And Furlong’s late red card will have prompted frustration, with Mason’s squad possessing very little by way of replacements for the right-back.
But ultimately, the positives will outweigh the negatives for the 34-year-old, who will now hope his side can back it up in the coming games.
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