James Morrison’s unbeaten run as interim West Brom boss came to an end as the Baggies were beaten by Oxford United to worsen relegation fears.
Albion’s poor form, which led to Eric Ramsay’s sacking this week, continued as fellow strugglers Oxford won 2-1 in what was undoubtedly a six-pointer given the run of upcoming fixtures.
Every single result had gone Albion’s way earlier in the afternoon, with Blackburn, Leicester and Portsmouth all losing. The Baggies ran out at the Kassam Stadium knowing a win would take them four points clear of the relegation places.
In true “Albion that” fashion, they failed to capitalise on results. Here are West Brom’s player ratings from yet another disappointing away day.
Max O’Leary – 5
It’s a tough time to be a goalkeeper for West Brom this season, and the defenders really don’t help the situation. Having said that, Max O’Leary will be disappointed with how he dealt with Oxford’s second goal, should have done better.
George Campbell – 6
Fairly solid at the back despite being too eager to win the ball and giving away needless fouls at times. Lacked a bit of quality going forward but offered plenty of support to Wallace down the right. Decent afternoon.
Krystian Bielik – 6
Fantastic block in the early stages that almost certainly stopped Oxford from taking an earlier lead than we did. Did what he could when called upon, realy should have equalised at the end from an Alex Mowatt free-kick.
Charlie Taylor – 1
The first mistake of the afternoon in defence came through him losing possession when forcing a pass that was never on. Oxford took the lead through the resulting corner. Then gave another needless free kick away that led to the second goal. Sums up Albion’s season. Didn’t look comfortable all afternoon.
Callum Styles – 7
He’s been one of the most consistent performers this season and once again played well down the left. Not to blame for the mistakes that led to the goals and pushed forward to help in an attacking sense.
Alex Mowatt – 6
Calm and collected in the middle, he went about his job without really standing out too much. Eager to get on the ball and moved the ball through the lines well. Great delivery at the end that should have resulted in the equaliser.
Jayson Molumby – 6
Didn’t shy away from the ball or a challenge, what we’ve come to expect from Molumby.
Isaac Price – 5
Seemed to have got a little bit of spark back in the early stages, enjoyed picking passes into Johnston and Wallace but offered little all afternoon. He should have been the attacking threat for Albion in Johnston’s absence, but was outshone by Bostock.
Jed Wallace – 5
Had to watch his challenges after being booked in the first half and had to be reminded of that fact a few times. Struggled to make any real impact in an attacking sense, not for the want of trying. Won possession and broke away just after half-time, but it was a poor ball into Maja that saw the attack come to nothing.
Mikey Johnston – 6
As is often the case when watching West Brom this season, Mikey Johnston was at the heart of nearly every Albion attack. Tried to convince the physio he would stay on when he went down untouched after 20 minutes, A huge blow for the Baggies.
Josh Maja – 3
A comical moment inside the first 10 minutes where he conceded possession on the edge of his own box, then was too slow to get out of the way of Jed Wallace’s clearance. Set the tone for the afternoon.
West Brom substitutions
Ollie Bostock – Huge opportunity coming on to replace Johnston, and grabbed it with both hands.
Daryl Dike – Tried his best to cause defenders problems to no avail.
Jaamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba – Offered little more than a bit or pace.
Aune Heggabo – N/A
Danny Imray – N/A