West Brom player ratings from Preston win as five score 8/10 but one ‘unacceptable’ 4

A brace from Josh Maja and a maiden Albion goal for Callum Styles delivered the first win for the joint interim management team of Chris Brunt and Damia Abella. The Hawthorns were treated to a stellar first half from the Baggies but there was quite the drop-off in the second 45, allowing Preston a route back into the encounter.

It took just 18 minutes for Maja to break the deadlock for West Brom as the striker finished coolly from 10 yards. Mikey Johnston was the architect as the winger twice beat Jordan Storey for skill before cutting the ball back for Maja, who took one touch to steady himself before firing into the bottom left corner.

Styles doubled West Brom’s advantage in the 34th minute with a delightful finish from just inside the area. Karlan Grant’s clever corner to the edge of the box made it all the way through to Styles who stretched for the ball and guided it into the far bottom corner with his weaker right foot.

Maja netted his second goal of the afternoon just five minutes later. Darnell Furlong did brilliantly to make ground down the right, outpacing Sam Greenwood, reaching the byline and laying it back for Maja to convert easily past Woodman. The Hawthorns sounded its appreciation on the half-time whistle while the away end - thinned out by a few early departures - booed their side down the tunnel.

The jeers came as no real surprise as Preston were very uninspiring for much of the first half, resorting to route-one passes over the top to target man Emil Riis. The visitors twice forced saves from Alex Palmer but breaks forward were rare and lacked conviction. Kaine Kesler-Hayden had the visitors’ first shot on target as he cut in from the left and struck powerfully. Sam Greenwood then fired fiercely into the arms of Albion’s goalkeeper.

Stefan Thordarson was perhaps fortunate to escape a red card late in the first period as the Preston midfielder slid in aggressively on Jayson Molumby, who looked unstoppable as he drove forward past a sea of bodies. Thordarson’s studs dangerously drifted down the back of Molumby’s heel – a painful one for the Albion number eight who was able to shake off the impact and carry on.

West Brom’s momentum petered out in the second period as the build-up play and overall tempo slowed, affording Preston time and space. Chances for the visitors weren’t regular but they did claw a goal back through substitute Ryan Ledson, who scored with a similar finish to that of Styles, converting from a squared Milutin Osmajic pass. Jed Wallace was at fault as the Albion skipper gifted the ball straight to Osmajic in the build-up.

The visitors were buoyed by their goal and pushed on for more to ramp up the tension. Riis went near as he saw a shot from a tight angle saved by Palmer and several powerful crosses into the area prompted the odd scare. Albion could hardly escape their defensive third at times but were able to halt the visitors’ progress for the most part.

There was late drama as Bartley and Riis had a scuffle near the corner flag after battling for possession. The pair’s momentum carried them over to the advertising boards, where Bartley shoved Riis over the top. The visiting supporters asked for a Bartley red but referee Robert Madley opted for yellows for both players, who hugged it out and exchanged a few laughs in the aftermath.

The full time whistle came shortly after, confirming West Brom the win to soar up to fifth in the Championship standings.

Player ratings:

Alex Palmer - 7

Denied a 12th clean sheet of the season by Ledson’s consolation goal. Made three good saves to deny Kesler-Hayden, Greenwood and Riis.

Darnell Furlong - 8

Notched the assist for Albion’s third goal with a powerful run forward and a tidy cut-back. Didn’t put much of a foot wrong defensively.

Kyle Bartley - 7

Dealt with Riis well, especially in the air. Shrugged off most of Greenwood’s runs in behind. Looked laboured towards the end, however.

Torbjorn Heggem - 7

Impressed with eight clearances, one tackle and two aerials won. Passed out from the back with confidence, especially in the first half.

Callum Styles - 8 (off 81’)

Opened his Albion account with an exquisite finish to make it 2-0. Deserved his goal as he defended very well for the first hour or so. That said, he did struggle to maintain his levels before coming off.

Ousmane Diakite - 7

Used his physicality well to break up the play and shield the ball. Had one awful long shot to forget, however, as he took a wild swing and completely scuffed the ball. The crowd found it amusing, at least.

Jayson Molumby - 8

Helped Albion dominate possession with a brilliant reading of the game and threaded through some excellent passes out to Johnston and Fellows. Forced the first save of the match with a speculative effort from 25 yards.

Mikey Johnston - 8 (off 61’)

Assisted Maja’s opener superbly, dribbling past two defenders and displaying the awareness to square to just the right spot. Took a couple of long passes out of the sky impeccably.

Tom Fellows - 6 (off at HT)

Turned Kesler-Hayden inside out twice in the first 10 minutes but was rarely involved afterward and didn’t play a part in any of the goals. Taken off at half time.

Karlan Grant - 7 (off 74’)

Often progressed Albion forward with direct dribbles and swung in the corner for Styles’ goal.

Josh Maja - 8 (off 74’)

Showed good composure to net a brace, ending his goal drought having not scored since November 23. Got in all the right positions for the Baggies and held up the ball well when needed.

Jed Wallace - 4 (on at HT)

Made the unacceptable giveaway ahead of Ledson’s goal - a proper unforced error - and scuffed his only shot well wide. Not the captain’s afternoon.