Nat Phillips hailed for ‘first-class’ moment that secured West Brom win
Nat Phillips was sensational in West Brom’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Friday evening.
Ryan Mason is desperately trying to secure his West Brom future, as a section of fans at The Hawthorns has turned against him.
Mason desperately needed a victory at home on 12 December, and that is exactly what the West Brom boss got due to the exploits of Aune Heggebo and Karlan Grant.
However, Phillips‘ efforts earlier in the contest were vital and may end up going under the radar.
Lee Hendrie cannot believe what Phillips did in West Brom win
West Brom were expected to beat Chris Wilder’s side, but it was the visitors who had the best of the action in the first half.
That was summed up when Tyrese Campbell found himself through on goal in the 32nd minute of the contest, and Phillips was forced into a diving block to stop him from passing to Patrick Bamford.
Lee Hendrie was blown away by what the former Liverpool defender managed to do to make sure that the ex-Leeds star did not get the ball in the back of the net.
Speaking on Sky Sports (20:35pm), he said: “Absolutely first-class defending, Bamford wanted that ball cut back, but Nat Phillips was not allowing anything to get cut back.
“It is great defending.”
Why Phillips’ performance set the tone for a vital Mason victory
Mason needed a win, especially at home, after a dismal recent run of just two wins in their last six matches in the Championship.
Phillips put in a brilliant showing after recent criticism of his performances and proved that the players are still behind their manager.
- Phillips has started 20 Championship matches for the Baggies so far this season
- The only game that he has missed was the loss to Queens Park Rangers
- He has been a key figure at the back for Mason
The 28-year-old made six clearances, blocked two shots and made two recoveries in the victory, per Sofascore
He also won two of the three ground duels that he attempted, and four of his six battles in the air, in a dominant display at the back.
It was exactly the type of bounce-back display that his manager needed from the experienced defender, and hopefully, he can put the negative attention that he has been getting behind him.
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