West Brom: Andy Johnson bang on the money as Callum Styles bails Danny Imray out vs Bristol City
West Brom came so close to going behind against Bristol City on Saturday, as Andy Johnson felt like Callum Styles spared Danny Imray’s blushes with an important clearance.
The Baggies travelled to Ashton Gate this weekend and grabbed a crucial 1-0 win, with James Morrison now giving every Albion fan something to believe in, as the fight for Championship survival continues.
Imray, in particular, has been a man improved recently, but is still showing signs of his raw ability, as Styles had to keep him out of danger in the first half.
Bristol City’s Scott Twine was surging down the left flank, and Imray failed to stop his cross, with Styles then able to get the all-important touch to divert it away from the oncoming forward.
Thankfully, George Campbell’s goal was enough to grab the three points for West Brom, because Johnson wasn’t impressed with what he saw from Imray.
- Read more: West Brom player ratings vs Bristol City: George Campbell outstanding, Ousmane Diakite monumental
What did Andy Johnson say about Callum Styles and Danny Imray?
The goal-saving clearance from Styles managed to help the Baggies push up the field not long after, forcing the corner which then resulted in Campbell’s headed strike.
Putting the scoreline aside, that first 45 was both statistically convincing and pleasing on the eye at the same time.
| Possession | 48% |
| xG | 0.90 |
| Shots (goals) | 4 (1) |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Duels won | 53% |
| Dribble success | 56% |
While commenting on WBA TV, commentator Johnson gave plaudits to Styles for his defensive contribution in the first 45, but highlighted where Imray went wrong.
Johnson said: “What a touch. What an important touch that is [Styles]. Imray, I’m thinking, can he make a tackle, can he affect the cross of the ball, but he doesn’t, and just runs alongside him [Twine] and lets him cross the ball in.
“He’s got to do better, and we’ve got to get closer.”
As highlighted in the graphic above, Imray gained a 6.4 Sofascore rating for his display in the first half against Bristol City, which was the joint-lowest out of any Albion player.
The right-back did show his quality going forward, but Johnson was right to call out his lapse that could have changed the trajectory of the match.
- Read more: West Brom: Tony Pulis playing part in relegation fight as James Morrison opens up on talks
Why Ousmane Diakite is the real deal amid display vs Bristol City
Regardless of what happens from now until the end of the season, the Baggies have bagged themselves the deal of the campaign by getting Ousmane Diakite to sign a new contract.
The midfielder was pulling the strings for Albion at Ashton Gate, once again proving his doubters wrong. He won the majority of his ground duels in the match, and never looked fazed when carrying the ball forward.
The 25-year-old looks to be gaining more confidence with each week, and it would be a hard task for West Brom to keep him at The Hawthorns if relegation is confirmed.
There were even more positives for the Baggies to build on despite the win, and Diakite is well and truly leading their revival.
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