West Brom 0 Blues 0 – Player Ratings

The Baggies dominated possession throughout but a lack of cutting edge in the final third ensured they had to settle for a point.

Here we rate how the players performed.

Sam Johnstone

Another clean sheet for the goalkeeper who has now registered 11 in the 2019/20 campaign.

Johnstone made two comfortable stops to keep out efforts from Scott Hogan. Otherwise untroubled with little to do. 6

Darnell Furlong

Something of a surprise inclusion at right-back with Dara O’Shea expected to get the nod. Furlong never lets Albion down though. Steady defensively he also got forward well and whipped in some dangerous crosses. 7

Semi Ajayi

Showed his class when a long ball over the top looked to have got Scott Hogan in-behind Albion’s defence. But Ajayi raced back to sweep away the danger with minimal fuss. Another very assured display from the centre-back. 7

Ahmed Hegazi

Given the nod ahead of Kyle Bartley, Hegazi played one outstanding pass early on that led to a chance for Matt Phillips. Positive on the ball and commanding in the air, he kept Hogan and Lukas Jutkiewicz in check in a composed display. 7

Kieran Gibbs

Back fit and back in the side, Gibbs showed flashes of his quality down the left side. But on a few occasions his decision making when he got into dangerous areas let him down, showing that lack of match sharpness. 7

Jake Livermore

The skipper produced one excellent challenge on Maikel Kieftenbeld inside the Albion box. As you’d expect, Livermore worked hard and gave everything for a cause. But, overall, he was uncharacteristically quiet. 6

Romaine Sawyers

Always looking for an incisive pass, Sawyers read the game impeccably ensuring he was first to numerous second balls. That ensured Albion were able to dominate possession throughout – they just didn’t do enough with it. 8

Matt Phillips

A selection that raised eyebrows, Phillips’ pace, movement and willingness to show for the ball made him a threat, particularly in the opening half hour. But his crossing and final ball let him down far too often. 6

Matheus Pereira

The Brazilian did everything he could to try and force the issue and break through Blues’ resolute defence. The magic was there in flashes with one excellent cross begging to be turned home. Also went close with a low drive from outside the box. 7

Callum Robinson

Had a 15 minute spell in the first half where it looked like he was going to stamp his authority on the game. But Robinson didn’t build on it and offered little else before being withdrawn on the hour mark. 6

Hal Robson-Kanu

When the opportunity arose, Robson-Kanu held the ball up and linked play well. But with Blues sitting deep in their two banks of four, there was next to no space for the Welshman to exploit. Another who will grow in influence. 6

Subs

Grady Diangana (for Robinson 60)

It was always going to be hard for Diangana to live up to the expectation surrounding his return. His lack of match sharpness showed but the minutes will do him the world of good. 5

Kyle Edwards (for Phillips 60)

One or two mazy runs but, like everyone else, the end product wasn't there. 6

Charlie Austin (for Robson-Kanu 70)

Struggled to make an impact. 5

Filip Krovinovic (for Livermore 85)

Added energy. n/a

Kenneth Zohore (for Pereira 85)

Had a decent headed chance but got his timings wrong. n/a