West Brom player ratings vs Coventry: Two 'inspiring' 9/10s in important victory

West Brom claimed their first home victory since September 21 with a 2-0 win over Frank Lampard’s Coventry City at The Hawthorns on Wednesday night. Goals from Alex Mowatt and Karlan Grant were enough to earn all three points, soaring the Baggies up to sixth in the Championship.

It wasn’t a comfortable evening under the lights as Coventry had three or four excellent chances but goalkeeper Alex Palmer stepped up, making a hat-trick of important saves. Mowatt’s 11th-minute opener, a deflected strike from range, was handy as it took the pressure off Albion from an early stage in the game.

Coventry should’ve scored after just three minutes as Torbjorn Heggem misjudged the flight of a long pass and Norman Bassette got goal side, but the striker’s effort was smothered by Palmer. Josh Eccles then forced a save at point-blank range from the Baggies’ shot-stopper later in the first half.

West Brom enjoyed a decent spell of possession after the break but Coventry were the next to go close, seeing several chances go begging in quick succession. Victor Torp, just six yards out from goal, simply had to score but flashed his header wide from a Milan van Ewijk cross. Sakamoto then had a headed chance of his own but Palmer positioned himself brilliantly to thrash the ball away.

Albion made the visitors rue their missed opportunities as Grant put the game beyond doubt in the 74th minute, finishing sublimely to make it two to the good. The striker skipped past three defenders and struck hard and low to find the bottom left-hand corner, giving Coventry goalkeeper Brad Collins no chance.

The visitors upped the tempo in the latter stages as they attempted to mount an ambitious comeback but the Baggies sat in deep to see out the game. Here’s how Albion’s players rated out of 10.

Player ratings

Alex Palmer - 8

Preserved his 10th Championship clean sheet of the season and deservedly so as he made five saves, three of which were excellent to deny Bassette, Eccles and Sakamoto.

Darnell Furlong - 7

Showed great anticipation to mop up several loose passes and lofted some great long balls forward to kick-start counter-attacks.

Mason Holgate - 7

Dealt with Bassette well, rarely affording the attacker space in behind.

Torbjorn Heggem - 7

Let an early error creep in as he missed a header, allowing Bassette a chance. Sured up from that point on, though, timing his tackles and interceptions well. Notched the assist for Grant’s goal.

Callum Styles - 6 (off 71’)

Got involved in the build-ups to attacks as he tucked inside but struggled to deal with Sakamoto’s pace and was booked for a late lunge on Van Ewijk.

Jayson Molumby - 7 (off 84’)

Hardly put a foot wrong with his passing and positioned himself well to cut out a couple of Coventry’s through ball attempts.

Alex Mowatt - 8

Opened the scoring with great technique, even if the shot did take a big deflection. Deserved his goal as he played a very fluid role to help Albion dictate possession for large stretches.

Tom Fellows - 6 (off 71’)

A little inconsistent with his end product but was often a threat and got involved in the build-up to Mowatt’s opener. Nearly scored an own goal as he flicked on a Coventry corner but got away with it.

Mikey Johnston - 6 (off 71’)

Beat Van Ewijk for skill on several occasions but was often let down by his final ball. Could’ve done better with three of his four corners.

Karlan Grant - 9

Scored an inspirational goal to seal the deal for the Baggies, firing in from 20 yards. Won fouls in dangerous positions, held up the ball well and blasted just wide with an ambitious strike.

Josh Maja - 6 (off at HT)

Used his physicality to back into defenders and win a couple of aerial duels but saw his only shot blocked with ease. Replaced by Swift at the break.

Subs:

John Swift (on at HT) - 7

Showed off a dynamic passing range, upping the ante in Albion’s attacks.

Kyle Bartley (on 71’) - 6

Provided extra cover for Albion in the final 20 minutes.

Lewis Dobbin (on 71’) - 6

Won a couple of headers to stop Coventry breakaways.

Jed Wallace (on 71’) - 6

Didn’t get massively involved but his leadership helped the Baggies at the end.

Uros Racic (on 84’) - 6

Flashed an effort wide in stoppage time.