The key talking points from the match between West Brom and Bristol City, which ended in a tie and a split of the spoils at Ashton Gate.
On Saturday, West Brom kept a clean sheet for the first time in the new Championship campaign against Bristol City, but their search for their first away victory since April continued as they drew 0-0 at Ashton Gate.
In a game of two halves, the Robins dominated the first half, but the Baggies regained the initiative in the second and came close through a variety of players. Albion hasn’t had much trouble finding the back of the goal this season, but that one decisive moment escaped them.
Albion may have had a day of “what ifs” because they started slowly and missed some good opportunities, but they still earned another point and their first shutout. to Watford now. These are the West Country talking points.
Albion, who have allowed five goals in each of their previous six games this season, might at least get their first clean sheet of the year. They did, however, depend on luck in the first half as Bristol City rushed forward and created issues via Nahki Wells, who made Semi Ajayi’s day challenging.
Mark Sykes snuck in and squeaked a shot towards the abandoned goal but onto the post just before halftime after Alex Palmer failed to connect with a long pass. Albion had more energy and attacked more in the second half, which led to them allowing less opportunities for their hosts, who were already struggling, to score.
Before the game’s conclusion, Albion did need their goalie, who admirably made up for their earlier mistake by getting large and stopping Harry Cornick from scoring from within the penalty area. This might give Albion’s back line a big boost in confidence and belief in what they’re doing.
READ: Carlos Corberan discusses West Brom’s lack of a penalty and the injury to Josh Maja
Effect subs
You’d have to argue that, to a certain extent, Carlos Corberan’s second-half adjustments for Albion achieved the desired outcome. Although the desired breakthrough never materialised, it wasn’t for want of effort. Conor Townsend contributed drive and quality of delivery from the left, Alex Mowatt contributed flexibility and calmness in the centre, and Josh Maja’s potential up top was demonstrated. Jeremy Sarmiento’s brief presence got others enthusiastic as well.
Sarmiento and Maja at the end, but also Maja before that with Townsend, who couldn’t quite turn a low pass across goal back into the far corner from a tight enough angle, were Albion players inserted during the course of the second period.
There will be dissatisfaction among some fans about Sarmiento’s current minutes, but Corberan’s justification for the need to modify the structure if he had was understandable.
