West Brom player ratings vs Crewe as Phillips impresses & Swift nets first goal
West Bromwich Albion were held to a 1-1 draw by Crewe Alexandra in their fourth pre-season fixture
West Bromwich Albion continued their preparations for their 2022/23 Championship season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at League Two Crewe Alexandra.
John Swift netted for the first time since his signing from Reading earlier this summer in a pre-season contest Steve Bruce's men dominated throughout. But missed chances from Swift himself and Semi Ajayi came back to cost the Baggies when Dan Agyei netted the equaliser for Crewe.
The result means Albion so far have two victories, one draw and one defeat ahead of their final two friendlies of the summer next week.
Albion were the better team in the first half and had multiple opportunities to kickstart the scoring against Crewe in the opening stages. Swift and Jed Wallace had chances from close range, but both failed to make a breakthrough.
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Good work from Grady Diangana and Swift on the left split open the Crewe defence, but the latter couldn't get enough bend on his right-footed strike from the corner of the box to test Dave Richards. Bruce's side continued to press their opponents and dominated the midfield with Alex Mowatt, Swift and Matt Phillips commanding affairs.
Summer signing Jed Wallace was presented with a chance to score his first Albion goal when Conor Townsend's cross looked to land perfectly on his right-foot. However, Oli Finney was quick to read the danger and managed to scuff the ball away from the winger.
The passing triangles created from the 4-3-3 formation continued to work in Albion's favour, with Phillips and Wallace linking up well on the right. After Wallace's cross was cleared, Ajayi jumped highest to head towards goal, but his effort was just wide.
Bruce made two changes at the break - in goal as Alex Palmer replaced David Button while Jake Livermore took over from Diangana in midfield.
West Brom came storming out of the tracks after the break and took under 10 minutes to open the scoring. Wallace's excellent cross was too much for Richards to deal with and fellow summer arrival Swift turned the ball home into an empty Crewe net.
More changes were made on the hour as Karlan Grant and Adam Reach were both introduced. And they didn't change the flow of proceedings with Crewe struggling to cause Dara O'Shea or Ajeyi problems in defence.
Despite finding themselves chasing shadows and being forced to deal with lengthy Albion pressure, the League Two outfit levelled in the final 20 minutes courtesy of former Burnley striker Dan Agyei. The 25-year-old managed to break free inside the Baggies' half and was allowed time to place the ball past Palmer.
Albion then struggled to control the game as much as they had before the home side's equaliser. And Crewe very nearly turned the game on its head in the final five minutes when Joel Tabiner's strike was well-blocked by Ajayi from 10 yards out.
Albion now head to Oxford United on Tuesday night for their final pre-season fixture away from home, before they welcome German side Hertha Berlin to the Hawthorns on July 23.
Button
Didn't have much to do throughout the game. Keep the flow of the game going when the Baggies attempted to build out from the back and was continuously shouting demands. Another 45 minutes in the tank.
Garner-Hickman
Forming quite the bond with Wallace on the right. His ball-playing ability makes it look so simple when he tucks into the centre of midfield to fill in for any of his teammates.
Ajayi
Could have opened the scoring in the first half from a header, but was assured in possession throughout the afternoon and made numerous bursts from defence into midfield.
O'Shea
Looked strong for the majority of the contest alongside Ajayi and will be disappointed with the goal. Like Ajayi, was impressive in his ball-playing moments and was solid against former Swansea City striker Courtney Baker-Richardson.
Townsend
Looked back to his usual self. His crossing was on par and had two superb deliveries into the box missed by teammates. Spent most of the game in Crewe's half and never gave up in picking up passing positions to assist the midfield.
Phillips
Brilliant in an unfamiliar role. He made-up a midfield trio with Mowatt and Swift, showing his versatility. Certainly a position to keep an eye on for the rest of pre-season. Did end his game at right-wing before being replaced by Furlong.
Mowatt
Utilised as an anchor in midfield, Mowatt was a key clog in the progress of the ball throughout the afternoon. Protected well by Swift and Phillips in the first half and looked fitter, despite the scorching heat.
Swift
Was unlucky not to open the scoring early on with a right-footed curler, but made up for it with his opener. Looked comfortable all afternoon and could have had more goals.
Diangana
Showed glimpses of his silky skills and elegant dribbling, but often ran out of ideas. Caused the Crewe defence problems throughout and nearly grabbed an assist in the opening few minutes, but Swift placed his shot wide.
Wallace
Following Wednesday's impressive first start, the newest arrival at the Hawthorns was one of Albion's best performers both in attack and defence. Delivered a brilliant cross for Swift's goal and looks more likely to start scoring himself.
Dike
Similar to Wednesday evening, the American struggled to get into the game early on with some over-hit passes and loose attempts on goal. His hold-up play is certainly becoming to shine more and is certainly forming relationships with his team-mates.
Subs
Palmer
Conceded against his only proper attempt on goal. Couldn't have done much about it as Agyei's goal was a neat finish.
Livermore
Replaced Mowatt well as the anchor in midfield. Won most battles in the centre of the pitch but lacked any impact on an attacking front.
Molumby
Gave the ball away for Crewe's equalising goal in a dangerous place but recovered well. Spent the end of the game out wide on the right and often drifted inside to open up space for Furlong.
Grant
Didn't see as much of the ball as Dike did in the first half. Was saved by the offside flag after missing from a yard out late on.
Reach
Kept the ball well in areas but struggled to make an impact. Deployed his defensive duties well as a left winger to help Townsend, but he wasn't given an opportunity to make dashes into the box.
Furlong
Wasn't on the pitch for long but linked up with Molumby on the odd occasion. Did look comfortable when forced to deal with Crewe danger. Could do with further run-outs with Wallace.
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