by Callum Ellis
Date: Wednesday 28th November, 2018
Venue: Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Attendance: 17,865
WEST Bromwich Albion climbed up to 4th in the Championship table following a 2-1 victory over Swansea City.
After utilising his pace against the Baggies’ defence, youngster Daniel James created Swansea’s first chance of the evening. James skipped past two defenders before cutting inside and forcing Sam Johnstone into making his first save.
Swansea took the lead inside the 10th minute through Oli Mcburnie. Matt Grimes’ initial shot was parried by Johnstone but McBurnie was on hand to keep his composure and fire the home side ahead.
West Brom were level within three minutes after the restart. Matt Phillips’ corner found the head of defender Craig Dawson, whose leaping effort evaded Swansea goalkeeper Erwin Mulder.
Graham Potter’s side looked to respond to the equaliser and went close to doing so. Bersant Celina paved open a chance by slipping James through on goal. The youngster found himself one-on-one with Johnstone but guided his shot straight at the former Aston Villa shot-stopper with an effort he should have done better with.
Both teams looked to be heading into the break with the scoreline level but it was the Baggies who had the final say before the interval. Phillips was the creator once again as his corner found Ahmed Hegazi, who nodded past Mulder to put the visitors in front.
Swans skipper Leroy For went close to drawing the home side level after the restart following a corner from Grimes. The ball fell kindly for the Dutchman but he fired just over the crossbar with an effort from distance.
Harvey Barnes went close to increasing West Brom’s advantage with 18 minutes remaining. Swans goalkeeper Mulder was well beaten but Barnes saw his curling effort strike the post.
Potter sent on attacking trio Barrie McKay, Jefferson Montero and Wilfried Bony in the second half but they failed to make the desired impact as the Swans suffered back-to-back defeats for the second time this season.
Swansea City: Erwun Mulder, Martin Olsson, Mike van der Hoorn, Leroy Fer © (Jefferson Montero 71), Oli McBurnie, Bersant Celina, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Daniel James (Wilfried Bony 77′), Matt Grimes, Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts (Barrie McKay 61′).
West Bromwich Albion: Sam Johnstone, Kieran Gibbs, Hal Robson-Kanu (Gareth Barry 90+2′), James Morrison, Jake Livermore ©, Matt Phillips, Harvey Barnes (Dwight Gayle 86′), Jay Rodriguez, Tosin Adarabioyo, Craig Dawson, Ahmed Hegazi.
