West Bromwich Albion cruised to an astounding fifth straight victory today as they brushed aside Rotherham United in front of an electric crowd at The Hawthorns.
Although it has not caused any shift in their actual position in the Championship table as the remain 16th, they are now within just five points of the play-off places and still boast a game in hand on most teams in the division.
There were plenty of outstanding players on show today, and Carlos Corberan has very quickly been handed selection headaches all across the field.
Albion did not dominate the ball, with possession split evenly, but they recorded 16 shots compared to just two for the visitors.
However, what is unlikely to change anytime soon is the defence, as this result marked the fourth clean sheet in West Brom’s last five games.
Although Jed Wallace might earn the plaudits for his match-winning goal and assist alongside his 8.7 Sofascore rating, it could be argued that Conor Townsend was the true hero for his boss this afternoon.
Did Conor Townsend impress you today?
He has been at the heart of everything good at the back for the Baggies, with today being no different.
Earning the second-best rating (7.7) of anyone on the pitch, the 29-year-old made five tackles and three clearances in what was a defensive masterclass. This culminated in the eight duels that he won out of ten for which he competed, marking an 80% success rate.
However, what was particularly useful for West Brom today was his offensive exploits.
Boasting 86 touches, highlighting his constant involvement throughout the game, Townsend put this to good by making two key passes. He was also successful with the one dribble that he attempted, rounding off a near-perfect all-round display.
Once described as a “really productive and industrious player” by Baggies podcaster Chris Lepkowski, he proved exactly why today as the home fans were treated to a special showing from the full-back.
It seems that the tide has truly turned for the Midlands outfit, who have transformed their season ever since Corberan’s appointment.
The manager has miraculously shifted expectations back to a promotion dream and away from relegation fears, as he looks to go one step further than he did during last season’s success with Huddersfield Town, who came within a play-off final win of going up to the Premier League.
