West Brom player ratings vs Birmingham City: ‘Calamitous’ 3/10 and two 4/10s

West Bromwich Albion rounded off their pre-season with a disappointing 4-1 defeat to local rivals Birmingham City at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

The Baggies were competitive in stretches but failed in the moments that mattered, letting a host of costly mistakes creep in. Birmingham’s high press was relentless and Albion struggled to cope, eventually capsizing in the latter stages with three quick-fire goals securing a rout for the hosts.

Before kick-off there was a minute’s silence for the Birmingham-born ex-West Brom player and caretaker boss Craig Shakespeare, who sadly passed away this week aged 60. It was a fitting tribute and one that was observed excellently by the 8,284 supporters in attendance.

West Brom came out the blocks the better of the two teams but Birmingham weathered the storm and took the lead in the 21st minute. Siriki Dembele did brilliantly to drive into the heart of Albion’s defence before squaring the ball to Alfie May, who showed great composure to net his fourth goal of pre-season. Albion should’ve defended better as they allowed Dembele far too much space to dribble and pass through.

Blues gained confidence from their opener as they began to dominate possession, controlling proceedings for a long period. A penalty probably should’ve been awarded, too, as Koji Miyoshi turned exquisitely in the box and appeared to be brought down by both Torbjorn Heggem and Kyle Bartley.

Albion finally got into their stride approaching half time and levelled up the scoring through captain Bartley. The experienced central defender got himself into a dangerous position from a recycled set-piece and poked the ball home from close range. The cross had deflected and looped over Krystian Bielik to fall into Bartley’s path for 1-1.

Just like in the first period, West Brom started the second half the more impressive of the two teams. Alex Mowatt went close to giving his side the lead but thrashed his effort over the crossbar. Tom Fellows did brilliantly in the build-up, beating Alex Cochrane for pace and hanging a cross toward the far post.

Birmingham, inspired by the introductions of Emil Hansson and Marc Leonard off the bench, began to improve midway through the half and regained their advantage – before extending it further just a few minutes later.

A dangerous corner from Miyoshi bounced around and was met clinically by Christoph Klarer to make it 2-1. Just a few phases of play on, Klarer nodded on a long ball to Willum Willumsson, who rounded Alex Palmer with ease and passed into an open net.

Things went from bad to worse for West Brom in the 82nd minute as May netted his second goal of the game. Semi Ajayi was dispossessed on the edge of his own area and it was fed through for May to effectively dribble the ball into the net for 4-1.

West Brom player ratings vs Birmingham City

Here’s how we rated Albion’s 11 starters against Birmingham, with brief explanations for each.

Alex Palmer - 4

Last season’s Championship Golden Glove winner ends pre-season without a single clean sheet in six games. Couldn’t do a great deal about the first two goals conceded but was rounded with ease for 3-1 and 4-1.

Darnell Furlong - 5

Struggled to cope with the pace and skill of Siriki Dembele. Not as involved as usual going forward.

Kyle Bartley (C) - 6 (off 77’)

Showed great anticipation to get his goal for 1-1, finishing cooly beyond Bailey Peacock-Farrell. Not at his usual self in ground duels.

Semi Ajayi - 3

Made it far too simple for Dembele to run through and set up Alfie May’s goal for 1-0. A calamitous error for May’s second as he was dispossessed on the edge of his own area.

Torbjorn Heggem - 6 (off 77’)

Lucky not to give away a penalty in the first half as he made contact with Koji Miyoshi in the box. Impressed otherwise, playing his auxiliary left-back role well.

Ousmane Diakite - 5

A driving force with his powerful runs through the centre and made a couple of nice pick-outs with long passes to the likes of Grant and Heggem. Did suffer in the final stages, though, as he was often engulfed by Blues’ press.

Alex Mowatt - 5 (off 66’)

Displayed a decent passing range but wasn’t able to control possession as well as hoped. Should’ve scored early in the second period as he shot narrowly over.

John Swift - 6

Albion’s main creative outlet and did well to dribble out of tight situations under Birmingham’s high press. Went very close to finding the top right corner in the 12th minute, but his effort fizzed narrowly past the upright.

Karlan Grant - 4

Struggled to beat his man, running into trouble on most occasions.

Tom Fellows - 6 (off 77’)

Took a while to get going but began to become a real threat at the end of the first period, advancing dangerously into the area. Hung in a great cross for Mowatt in the 48th minute.

Josh Maja - 5 (off 77’)

Made himself a nuisance with his physicality but veered offside on several occasions.