Andy Johnson wowed by 'remarkable' Max O'Leary in West Brom draw vs QPR
Andy Johnson was left wowed by Max O'Leary's performance for West Bromwich Albion against Queens Park Rangers.
Albion drew 1-1 with QPR at The Hawthorns on Saturday in their final home game before an extended international break.
The result sees the Baggies sit on a perfect two points per game ratio, the magic trend needed to gain automatic promotion.
James Morrison made five changes to the side that beat Derby County 1-0 at Pride Park last time out, including a shift in his backline options.
Though Albion conceded, it was a scrappy and unfortunate goal to let in, after the ball ricocheted back off Chris Mepham's face and into his own net.
But O'Leary pulled off some magnificent saves in the game, as Johnson's assessment of the shot-stopper's performance is basically what every West Brom fan would say.
Andy Johnson blown away by 'remarkable' Max O'Leary attribute
O'Leary signed a new deal with the Baggies earlier this summer after his initial six-month spell turned out a success.
The 29-year-old was in fine form with both his hands and his feet against Julien Stephan's men, impressing in several different ways.
While speaking on WBA TV in the second half, Johnson explained why he's so impressed with the goalkeeper's distribution after a long ball almost found the feet of Isaac Price.
Johnson said: "He's done it a few times; he's set attacks away with great distribution. It really is an asset of his game. Remarkable, as I said, that really is a positive of his game."
Moments later, after saving Kwame Poku's effort, Johnson said: "What a save. Take nothing away from O'Leary, who gets down to his left-hand side. He pulls off a great save, big, strong arm."
Morrison will have mixed feelings about the game, which looked like it could have gone either way heading into the final 20 minutes.
QPR were down to the bare bones, so three points were clearly wanted.
However, West Brom had some fitness problems over their own to deal with.
O'Leary's stats speak for themselves after QPR draw
West Brom's defence, including their goalkeeper, was arguably the best part of the performance against QPR.
Callum Styles continued his fine form after scoring a screamer, while Nat Phillips and Mepham both looked solid together again, despite the latter's unfortunate moment in the first 45.
Conor Townsend looked like he'd never been away, while O'Leary appears to be growing in confidence in each game.
The ex-Bristol City man made three saves, but prevented a total of 1.15 goals.
He earned a 7.8 FotMob score and is justifying West Brom's decision to sell Josh Griffiths.