West Bromwich Albion 3 - Hull City 1

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Ratings submitted so far: 16

Brendan Clegg:

A really great win for which our head coach must take a lot of credit.

The starting 11 looked to be a flat back 4 and from the off it looked like we were maybe a 4-4-2 with Wallace very high and sometimes ahead of BTA, and both Phillips and Grady holding wide.

After a strong start where we looked to press high, we were gifted a goal. Their keeper inexplicably dropped the ball to his feet, perhaps to invite us in, but we already had their defenders all marked so when he played a short pass out Hull we’re in trouble and Wallace intercepted, swivelled and stroked the ball home.

Despite us looking threatening each time we ventured into attack, we went a bit conservative and sat deeper, and also over played a bit in the wrong areas as the weather worsened. We were made to pay before HT when Hull, playing decent stuff and constantly switching the ball to open us up, got a cross in from the left and their right back seemed to have loads of time unmarked to hammer home a good finish. Frustrating as we had opportunities to deal with it earlier or go long to see out the half but, being honest, Hull probably deserved it.

We came out after HT looking to play forward a bit quicker and not afraid to turn their CBs in the difficult conditions where as Hull kept trying their possession game.

Ajayi came on for the injured Bartley and immediately showed his pace and strength to snuff out an over the top ball.

Soon after we scored a really great goal based upon the drills and plays I’m sure we work on lots. When it comes off it’s sublime. We played some intricate triangles in our own deep left position before working it to Wallace whose spin on the half way line broke us out of their press and sent Grady scampering through. His quick feet shifted the ball before he found Phillips who took a touch and passed the ball into the corner. From no danger it was a brutally efficient play.

And with Hull still reeling we got another with Grady dancing to the byline before finding Ajayi to slot home via a deflection.

After that we moved it well and the subs came on to see us through. If anything Sarmiento admins Fellows looked like they’d create more with both showing great quality, and Hull hardly threatened until the death.

An impressive victory and, as someone who prefers us having that extra body higher up the pitch instead of 3 CBs I was delighted. We entertained, looked threatening, enabled Grady to get on the ball quickly in the final 3rd and I thought the atmosphere was much better as a result. Our bravery and pragmatism in the conditions got us the win against an impressive Hull team.

• Palmer - 6 Reliable again. His value is only going up.
• Furlong - 6 Did okay, got caught the wrong side a few times.
• Bartley - 6 solid enough and doesn’t overplay when it’s not on.
• Kipre - 7 Solid all game and still used the ball well in a 2.
• Townsend - 6 Looked weak but stuck at it and finished on top.
• Okay - 6 Wanted too much time in crap conditions but did a decent job.
• Mowatt - 7 Kept showing and linking stuff.
• Grady - 8 High and wide with license to try stuff and fed early. It’s not rocket science he’s doing so well.
• Wallace - 7 Good goal, worked really hard, some great spins and aggressive running
• Phillips - 7 Maybe napping for their goal but took his superbly and was strong all game.
• BTA - 7 Loads of running and covering.

• Ajayi- 7 Really strong, his forward passing was on point and gave us an extra dimension
• Sarmiento - 6 Loads of tricks and great feet.
• Fellows - 6 Another great cameo. Constant threat.
• Chalobah & Molumby both got a foot in and saw us through.

Loved it. Up the Albion!