Mikey Johnston outstanding, 4/10 a letdown – West Brom player ratings vs Oxford United
West Brom returned to winning ways on Saturday as they came from behind to beat Oxford United 2-1 at The Hawthorns.
Despite a dominant first-half performance from West Brom, Oxford managed to take the lead in the second period through Will Lankshear.
However, the Baggies had an instant response as Greg Leigh put the ball into his own net just before the hour mark.
From here, the hosts continued to push for a second and got their reward as substitute Aune Heggebo headed home the winner with 20 minutes to go to relieve pressure on Ryan Mason’s job at West Brom.
Now, West Brom News has rated the players’ performances as they ended their poor run of form.
Mikey Johnston dominates Oxford United
While West Brom may be struggling in front of goal, Mikey Johnston ensured that multiple chances were created for the hosts throughout the game.
The attacker was dominant, taking the match by the scruff of the neck, firing multiple shots on goal, while also attempting to set up his teammates.
Johnston has been impressive at West Brom recently, despite the Baggies’ form and was easily the best player on the pitch on Saturday.
How the winger did not pick up a goal or an assist is beggars’ belief, and Johnston will be vital going into the festive period if Mason is to keep his job.
Josh Maja provides another blunt performance
While Johnston continued to create chances for the Baggies, Josh Maja was simply unable to convert.
The striker was a ghost for much of the game, and when he was on the ball, he could not find his clinical touch.
It said a lot that his replacement, Heggebo, scored with his first chance after the attacker was subbed off.
While it must be remembered that Maja has only just returned from injury for West Brom, it is concerning that he continues to struggle to find the net.
Hopefully, over the international break, Mason and Maja can try and find a solution to get the attacker back on form
West Brom player ratings vs Oxford United
Josh Griffiths – 7
Alfie Gilchrist – 6
Nat Phillips – 7
Charlie Taylor – 6
Callum Styles – 6
Ousmane Diakite – 7
Alex Mowatt – 7
Karlan Grant – 5
Isaac Price – 7
Mikey Johnston – 8
Josh Maja – 4
Substitutes
Jayson Molumby – 7
Aune Heggebo – 7
Samuel Iling-Junior – 6
Krystian Bielik – 6
Toby Collyer – 6
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest West Bromwich Albion news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @westbromnews247