Nat Phillips stupid as 8/10 excels in new role – West Brom player ratings vs Hull City
Ryan Mason didn’t have much to cheer about as 10-man West Brom were beaten 1-0 by Hull City on Saturday.
West Brom took on Hull City at the MKM Stadium, as the Baggies remain on their current points tally of 28.
West Brom beat Sheffield United 2-0 last time out in the Championship, and Mason was looking for rare back-to-back wins.
Mason was let down in the first half after his side failed to convert two big chances, with Isaac Price missing one glaring opportunity in particular.
Oli McBurnie’s first-half penalty was enough for the Tigers, as Alfie Gilchrist lasted just eight minutes on the pitch before being sent off.
Gilchrist may have been sent off, but Nat Phillips conceding a penalty was more costly for the Baggies.
Ryan Mason has found the perfect position for Callum Styles
Mason went for a tactical change against the Tigers, and a big one at that.
The head coach opted to play Callum Styles in the defensive midfield position, a role which he can play, with Charlie Taylor in left-back.
It was a bold move to leave Jayson Molumby on the bench, but Styles’ performance has thrown a spanner in the works for future team selections.
- Styles won 4 ground duels
- He wasn’t dispossessed a single time
- Styles completed 82% of his passes
Styles has put in impressive performances in the past, but this one was perhaps his best showing of the season.
The Hungary international has proved his worth and more now for Mason, and he certainly did not deserve to be on the losing side.
Nat Phillips handball cost West Brom
Phillips was at fault for giving away a penalty to Hull in the first half, as the ball brushed the defender’s fingers, with his arm in an unnatural position.
The centre-back is supposed to be one of Mason’s most experienced players, but instead Phillips let his West Brom teammates down.
What makes the moment even more disappointing is the fact that his all-around game wasn’t too bad.
Phillips won 86 per cent of his aerial duels and was dominant on the ground, but still misplaced seven of his 13 attempted long balls.
He really needs to up his game, but he wasn’t the only West Brom player who was below par against the Tigers.
- Read more: Ryan Mason’s new transfer admission means nothing until West Brom address worrying concern
How West Brom players rated vs Hull City
Joe Wildsmith – 5
Charlie Taylor – 7
Krystian Bielik – 5
Nat Phillips – 4
George Campbell – 6
Callum Styles – 8
Ousmane Diakite – 5
Karlan Grant – 6
Isaac Price – 4
Mikey Johnston – 5
Aune Heggebo – 5
Subs:
Alfie Gilchrist – 2
Chris Mepham – 5
Jayson Molumby – 5
Josh Maja – 4
Iling-Junior – 4
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