Player Ratings as Baggies Defeat Blunt Blades in Relegation Six-Pointer

West Bromwich Albion came out on top in a huge Premier League six-pointer on Saturday evening, beating Sheffield United 1-0 at the Hawthorns to climb out of the drop zone.

The Baggies took the lead on 13 minutes, when a corner kick found its way to the edge of the penalty area, and Conor Gallagher was on hand to stroke the ball into the corner of Aaron Ramsdale’s net.

AS YOU WERE CG X!!!!!!!!!! GETTT INNNN!!!!!!@MonsterEnergy | #WBASHU

— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) November 28, 2020

Sheffield United pushed to get back into the game, and George Baldock squandered a great chance from close range, firing high and wide with the goal at his mercy. The Blades pushed to find an equaliser, with Rhian Brewster and Lys Mousset missing great opportunities, but Chris Wilder’s side came up short against the Baggies, and remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

Let’s take a look at the player ratings from an interesting evening in the Midlands.

Sam Johnstone (GK) – 7/10 – Rarely tested in the first half. Not much else to do in the second, to be honest. Looked confident with the ball in his area. Good late save to deny McBurnie.

Semi Ajayi (CB) – 8/10 – So cool with the ball at his feet, joining attacks and supporting his teammates on the right flank. Dealt with the movement of the Blades’ forwards very well.

Branislav Ivanovic (CB) – 7/10 – Booked after only two minutes, it was set to be a long evening. But Ivanovic showed his class and experience. A leader at the heart of the defence. Huge block from Brewster at the end.

Kyle Bartley (CB) – 8/10 – Growing into this Premier League malarkey. Didn’t shy away from the aerial battles with McBurnie and got stuck in on the ground, too. Forced Ramsdale into a smart save from a header. Some great defending facing his own goal.

Darnell Furlong (RWB) – 8/10 – Whipped in the odd low, dangerous cross into the penalty area. So adventurous and his runs allowed Pereira to really push on. Excellent at the back and in attack.

Conor Gallagher (CM) – 8/10 – Broke the deadlock with a well-placed (deflected) finish from the edge of the penalty area. Battled, scrapped and showed that touch of class he has at his disposal.

Romaine Sawyers (CM) – 7/10 – One of his better displays in the Premier League. Coped with the physical challenge of Berge and always looked forwards with the ball.

Conor Townsend (LWB) 7/10 – Most of West Brom’s play came down the right, so Townsend was tasked with a more defensive role. Did it well.

Matheus Pereira (RW) – 8/10 – So, so good. Floated around, drawing fouls, popping off shots and supplying his teammates. Created all the time in the world for himself in possession. A real sparkle.

Karlan Grant (ST) – 7/10 – Ran, ran and ran some more. Stretched the defence, held the ball up for teammates and got the best out of his colleagues. Selfless.

Callum Robinson (LW) 6/10 – Not at his best, but got stuck in. Came inside and drew his markers away, making space for Townsend on the left.

67’ | Still battling. Come on lads! ?

?⚪️ 1-0 ⚔️ | #WBASHU pic.twitter.com/cHdh1Av4U9

— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) November 28, 2020

Hal Robson-Kanu (ST) – 6/10

Filip Krovinovic (CM) – 7/10

Matt Phillips (LM) – 6/10

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 6/10 – Beaten by the deflection on Gallagher’s effort, but took an age to get down to meet the ball. Made up for it with an excellent stop to deny a Bartley header from a corner.

Chris Basham (CB) – 6/10 – Fairly solid other than the goal, shutting the door on his opponents on a number of occasions.

John Egan (CB) – 6/10 – Booked for a risky tackle on the edge of the box. Tried to inspire his team as captain, but with little success.

Kean Bryan (CB) – 6/10 – Not easy to make your debut in a team struggling for confidence. Could do little for the goal and kept Grant quiet. Had a hard time dealing with the tricky Pereira.

George Baldock (RWB) – 5/10 – Missed an absolute sitter on the edge of the box with the whole goal to aim at. A shocking and costly miss from someone usually so reliable.

Sander Berge (CM) – 6/10 – Failed to leave his mark on the game as he usually does, but was brave enough to demand possession. Lacking some equal quality around him.

Oliver Norwood (CM) – 5/10 – So anonymous. Offered precious little during the game, and was hooked early in the second half.

John Fleck (CM) – 5/10 – As ineffective as Norwood. Didn’t look comfortable on the ball and never really seemed to want possession. Ominous.

Max Lowe (LWB) – 6/10 – Managed to get a bit more joy in the second half after a tough first 45 minutes. Whipped some mean crosses into the box but couldn’t find his man.

Oli Burke (ST) – 5/10 – A strong and powerful runner, Burke caused the odd threat with his direct approach. Lacked end product and genuine quality, though.

Oliver McBurnie (ST) – 7/10 – Should have been going home with at least an assist, after cutting a cute ball into the path of Baldock in the second half. Won plenty of duels in the air and worked tirelessly for his team.

54′ First Blades change.

Rhian Brewster replaces Ollie Norwood.

? #WBA 1 – 0 #SUFC ? pic.twitter.com/khGv6QZF5P

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) November 28, 2020

Rhian Brewster (ST) – 6/10

John Lundstram (CM) – 6/10

Lys Mousset (ST) – 6/10