West Brom were denied the chance to jump into the Sky Bet Championship playoff spots by Blackburn Rovers, who equalised late to grab a draw on Wednesday evening. Carlos Corberan’s side responded well to defeat against Birmingham City last time out, but a late Ben Brereton-Diaz free-kick canceled out Jayson Molumby’s headed effort.
The Baggies’ made a shaky start to the evening, with goalkeeper Josh Griffiths, who was making his senior debut for the club - being called into action to produce a fine save from a close-range Brereton-Diaz chance. The hosts struggled to break the deadlock but did have opportunities, most notably through John Swift whose acrobatic effort sailed just over the bar.
Half-time proved to be a turning point for Albion, who surged up the field in search of an opener with substitute Molumby hitting the post from the edge of the box, just after replacing full-debutant Nathaniel Chalobah. The Irishman didn’t have to wait too long for his second of the season, though, as Okay Yokuslu’s header was blocked on the line but only as far as Molumby who headed into the top corner.
Albion became sloppy in their possession play, with too many loose passes finding a red-away shirt for their liking. They eventually paid the price for it by giving the ball away in the midfield too easily, handing Blackburn the chance to equalise.
And with a strike that ended his goal drought stretching back to November, Brereton-Diaz showed his quality with a free-kick from range. His effort nestled in the bottom corner after Griffiths couldn’t quite get a strong enough hand to it.
It ended 1-1, a result that doesn’t really help either side, with both having the opportunity to hop into the top six with victory. The draw leaves Albion in 10th, with Blackburn a point and two places above them in eighth.
A draw that saw plenty of goalmouth action, here are our player ratings from the game, with four eights being handed out. See below.
Half-time proved to be a turning point for Albion, who surged up the field in search of an opener with substitute Molumby hitting the post from the edge of the box, just after replacing full-debutant Nathaniel Chalobah. The Irishman didn’t have to wait too long for his second of the season, though, as Okay Yokuslu’s header was blocked on the line but only as far as Molumby who headed into the top corner.
5. Conor Townsend - 6
Struggled to deal with Sorba Thomas at times but looked to be much improved from the defeat to Birmingham.
6. Okay Yokuslu - 8
Saved Albion from a precarious counterattack as Blackburn looked to break, another terrific showing from the Turk. Played a crucial part in the build-up to the goal.
7. Nathaniel Chalobah - 7
A classy display on his first start for the club, but Chalobah was substituted due to injury midway early in the second half.
8. Jed Wallace - 6
Played in a couple of different roles for the Baggies, but ran with the ball well and looked promising when given space to cross.