West Brom took another step towards promotion yesterday, battering Preston North End and playing our of their skin during the 2-0 win, extending their lead at the top of the Championship to seven points, albeit with Leeds United set to play this evening.
Goals from both Hal Robson-Kanu, who bagged his third goal in two games, and Jake Livermore were enough to secure the win, and Preston’s misery was compounded late on as Darnell Fisher was shown a red card on 64 minutes, putting the Baggies even further in the driving seat.
After the game The Birmingham Mail ran an article with the player ratings for the home side from the game, and as you can imagine there were plenty of big numbers from a dominant display against a strong Preston team, with a number of players earning themselves 9/10 ratings.
How many players do West Brom need if they are promoted?
3-5
0-2
6+
Of the starting eleven, Sam Johnstone and Dara O’Shea picked up the lowest ratings, both getting a seven, but the three top performers were Ahmed Hegazi, Hal Robson-Kanu, Jake Livermore, who all won themselves 9/10’s, and you can read what the Birmingham Mail had to say about them here:
Hegazi 9
The centre back’s shirt is his to lose now. Won everything in the air and on another day he might’ve even scored himself – had one shot that flashed just wide of the far post. Imperious showing and Bartley must be wondering how he gets back in.
Livermore 9*
Leading by example as usual, Livermore dropped into the deeper role vacated by Sawyers to accommodate Harper. It meant he couldn’t rush out and administer a bone-crunching challenge early doors as usual, but he was calm on the ball and tenacious as ever.
The goal summed him up. He won the ball, carried on his run, and the finish was sublime. MOTM again, a colossus.
Robson-Kanu 9
Superb composure in the middle of a defensive sandwich to control Robinson’s cross with his chest and slip the ball under the keeper. An assist for Livermore’s drive, too.
Always alert to any misplaced passes or miscued clearances in the Preston back-line. An excellent shift.