West Brom player ratings vs Blackburn – Nat Phillips on top form as Aune Heggebo frustrates
West Bromwich Albion escaped with a 0-0 draw at Blackburn Rovers on Easter Monday.
James Morrison made two changes to his side, with Max O’Leary and Charlie Taylor replacing Josh Griffiths and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba.
The Baggies started positively, and Aune Heggebo hit the post with the best chance of the first half, but it was the hosts who had the better of the second half.
The stalemate helps neither side in their attempts to avoid the drop zone, however, it was probably the right result.
West Brom are now four points above the relegation zone, with their chances of staying in the Championship still in danger.
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Nat Phillips stars in West Brom draw
Nat Phillips has had a mixed start to life at West Brom, and has not lived up to expectations since his move from Liverpool.
He put in a great showing in Lancashire, though, as he was a key reason that Albion walked away with a point.
He recorded a 75 per cent pass accuracy and made five passes into the final third as he tried to help his side build attacks, per Fotmob.
| Phillips’ stats vs Blackburn | |
| Pass accuracy | 75% |
| Passes into final third | 5 |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Clearances | 7 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Ground duels won | 75% |
| Aerial duels won | 64% |
Defensively, he really stood out, with two tackles, seven clearances, six recoveries and three interceptions in the contest.
In terms of duels, he won three of four on the ground for a 75 per cent success rate and seven of 11 in the air for a 64 per cent success rate.
Morrison needs the 29-year-old to step up and continue to perform like that going forward, if they are to have any chance of staying up.
Aune Heggebo not up to scratch in West Brom draw
When Heggebo was replaced by Daryl Dike in the 72nd minute, it was not a surprise after a frustrating performance from the forward.
The Norwegian had just 28 touches in the game, and when he did get the ball, he could not make the most of it.
He had two shots on target, but neither ended up in the back of the net, with one classed as a big chance missed.
The 24-year-old had just two touches in the opposition box and completed just 58 per cent of his 12 pass attempts in a poor showing.
The Baggies need him to find his shooting boots and have more influence on the game, if he is to keep his starting berth in the next few weeks.
How West Brom players rated vs Blackburn
Max O’Leary – 6
Danny Imray – 6
Nat Phillips – 8
George Campbell – 7
Callum Styles – 7
Ousmane Diakite – 6
Jayson Molumby – 5
Isaac Price – 6
Charlie Taylor – 6
Aune Heggebo – 4 (off for Dike, 72)
Josh Maja – 5
Substitutes:
Daryl Dike – 5
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