West Bromwich Albion suffered a huge blow in the Championship play-off race as they continued their woeful away form with a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Rotherham United on Good Friday. The Baggies defended calamitously throughout to hand The Millers countless opportunities, and they could well have won by more. Carlos Corberan’s side took the lead from the spot through John Swift but ex-Albion man Jordan Hugill scored twice to haunt his former side. Tariqe Fosu then scored late on to seal the deal.
It was a very lively start as both teams had glorious opportunities. First up was West Brom striker Daryl Dike, who found himself through on goal and fired from around 20 yards on the half-volley. Hitting with power, the American so nearly gave Albion the lead, but Rotherham’s goalkeeper Viktor Johansson did brilliantly.
Just minutes later, Hugill missed an absolute sitter for the hosts. The Baggies defended poorly to get the ball away following a miss-hit from Chiedozie Ogbene and Hugill just had to convert from 10 yards, but the 30-year-old saw his effort go well wide of the post.
Following an end-to-end opening half an hour, the next big chance came for the hosts, as Baggies defender Semi Ajayi missed the ball completely and allowed Jamie Lindsay to sneak in through on goal. Thankfully for Albion, goalkeeper Josh Griffiths saved Ajayi’s blushes as he made a brilliant stop to put it out for a Rotherham corner.
The first goal of the clash came at the other end just moments afterward, as Conor Townsend broke free down the left-hand side for West Brom. The wing-back cut into the area and won a penalty as he was clipped by Hugill. Swift stepped up and converted from the spot; Johansson went the right way but Albion’s number 19 got enough power on his effort.
Rotherham equalised just before the break, though, as Hugill made up for his errors, heading in from a Conor Coventry corner. The striker shushed the away support having received plenty of jeers beforehand. He then had a glorious opening to give Rotherham the lead, reacting quickest to a loose ball and heading the ball towards goal. Townsend was there to clear away - twice - as Albion just about held on for 1-1 at half time.
Carlos Corberan failed to make any changes at the break to rectify the defensive troubles and it really cost West Brom just minutes into the second period. Hugill got on the scoresheet for a brace with yet another header from a set piece situation, handing Rotherham a 2-1 lead. It was far too easy for the striker, with no challenge in the air whatsoever. Corberan reacted with a triple change Kyle Bartley came on for Ajayi to a huge cheer from the away support, meanwhile, Tom Rogic replaced Darnell Furlong and Marc Albrighton came in for John Swift.
Rather unsurprisingly, the substitutes offered West Brom extra defensive stability - especially the introduction of Bartley - and they were able to advance forward in the search for goals. Corberan’s men didn’t offer enough, however, as The Millers defended well. So much so, the home side were able to progress forward with a chance of their own on the counter attack, scoring again to put the game beyond doubt. Tariqe Fosu, who was one of Rotherham’s brightest sparks all afternoon, was allowed too much space to fire in past Griffiths at the near post.
Here are our player ratings from a woeful West Brom display.
1. West Bromwich Albion player ratings vs Rotherham United
Here are our Albion player ratings from this afternoon.
2. Josh Griffiths - 7
Top goalkeeping in the first half with countless crucial saves to deny Rotherham’s many clear-cut opportunities. Didn’t do too much wrong but conceded three goals due to the poor defending in front of him.
3. Darnell Furlong - 3 (off 58’)
Didn’t make a single direct defensive contribution today and was rightly hooked before the hour mark. Passing was off the mark, too.
4. Semi Ajayi - 2 (off 58’)
Calamitous display, allowing Rotherham’s attackers in on goal far too easily, so many times. Multiple big errors and didn’t offer anything defensively.