Why Alex Mowatt is spearheading Premier League charge after stunning West Brom performance vs Preston
West Brom moved up fifth in the Championship after a crucial 2-1 win over Preston on Saturday.
West Brom’s victory came as a result of two screamers from Mikey Johnston and Isaac Price to give Ryan Mason a much-needed win at The Hawthorns.
After Price’s beautiful strike made it 2-0 in the 63rd minute, Michael Smith’s consolation offered hope for Preston, yet the Baggies held on to claim a first win at home since August.
Whilst Price and Johnston will get all the plaudits, Alex Mowatt ran the show for West Brom.
Alex Mowatt delivers another fantastic display vs Preston
Mowatt joined West Brom from Barnsley in 2021 and has since played a huge role in their Championship campaigns.
Mowatt signed a contract extension in the summer, with fans ecstatic that the 30-year-old would be extending his stay in B71.
Against Preston, he was incredible in central midfield and pulled the strings as West Brom delivered another brilliant attacking performance.
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Touches | 74 |
| Pass accuracy (percentage) | 90 |
| Chances created | 4 |
| Ground duels won (percentage) | 71 |
Having started nine Championship matches this season, Mowatt is arguably West Brom’s most consistent player, despite only registering his first goal contribution on Saturday.
Mason has made Mowatt one of the first names on the teamsheet and gotten the best out of him in that holding midfield role.
In 2024/25, West Brom won just one game without Mowatt, and if the Baggies are to have a chance of finishing in the automatic promotion places, they’ll need his availability on their side.
Whilst West Brom were predicted to finish fifth at the start of the season, Mowatt’s form offers supporters a glimmer of hope that they can reach the top-flight for the first time since 2020-21.
However, whilst Mowatt proved how important he is to Mason’s side, it was a mixed day for Toby Collyer.
Toby Collyer shines alongside Alex Mowatt in midfield before going off injured
Collyer has impressed for West Brom this season, despite only starting two of their 10 Championship games.
The young midfielder on loan from Manchester United has showcased moments of quality throughout his substitute appearances, and as a result, he was offered a rare start against Preston.
After registering an assist for Johnston’s strike, Collyer was substituted after 55 minutes after complaining about pain in his hamstring.
Whilst the extent of the injury is unclear, this is a huge blow for West Brom, who will now resort to playing Jayson Molumby alongside the irrepressible Mowatt.
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