(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Clinton Morrison spots 'huge' mistake in unexpected West Brom moment vs Stoke

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on: 

West Brom overcame Stoke City 1-0 on Saturday to continue their unbeaten run under Ryan Mason.

Nat Phillips found the net early on after a mistake from the Potters goalkeeper allowed the defender to tap the ball into the net.

While Jed Wallace had a great chance to make it 2-0 in the second half, the Baggies were unable to get a second.

Likewhile, the visitor's defence held firm to ensure that West Brom bounced back from their 1-1 draw with Portsmouth last weekend, as the Black Country club rose to second in the Championship table.

Ryan Mason at full-time of a West Brom match
Ryan Mason will be please how his how opening matches have gone (Credit: Imago)

Clinton Morrison: Viktor Johansson makes huge mistake vs West Brom 

With both teams getting a feel for the game in the Championship clash, West Brom were given a gift early on against the Potters.

14 minutes in, Alex Mowatt’s corner looked to be easily collected by goalkeeper Viktor Johansson. However, the Sweden international proceeded to drop the ball.

This landed right at Phillips, who signed for West Brom in the summer, and the defender made no mistake inside the box.

  • Phillips was signed from Liverpool this summer
  • The centre-back spent last season on loan to Derby
  • Phillips netted the winner past Stoke City

Watching the match on Sky Sports News on 30 August, Clinton Morrison was quick to criticise the goalkeeper’s part in the goal.

He said: “It’s a huge mistake from Johansson, who has been outstanding.

“He can see the ball clearly, and he drops it. Phillips reacts very well, not like a centre-half but like a natural goalscorer.

“A big mistake from Johansson but a great start for West Brom and Phillips.”

Nat Phillips West Brom
Nat Phillips netted the opener against Stoke City (Credit: Imago)

Nat Phillips brilliant vs Stoke City 

While Johansson will be rightly criticised for his mistake, Phillips will no doubt be praised for his performance against Stoke. 

On top of the goal, the centre-back had a great match, and kept Stoke City at bay throughout.

According to Fotmob on 30 August, the 28-year-old was outstanding, and was easily the best player on the field.

Nat Phillips vs Stoke City
Goals 1
Chances created 2
Clearances 12
Recoveries 5
Aerieal duels won4
Phillips was outstanding vs Stoke City

Therefore, it is clear that Mason has made a brilliant decision to bring in Phillips this summer.

Hopefully, the defender can keep these performances up throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Sign up for the West Brom News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Bromwich Albion news sent straight to your phone.

Clinton Morrison
Nat Phillips
www.westbromnews.co.uk