West Bromwich Albion beat Stoke City at The Hawthorns to move out of the bottom three of the Championship.
A goal from Kyle Bartley and a wonder strike from Brandon Thomas-Asante sealed a 2-0 win for the home side and extended their positive start under Carlos Corberan.
Albion started the game well by creating a flurry of chances. A goal line clearance from Harry Clarke diverted John Swift’s goal bound attempt. John Swift was positive in the first half with opportunities falling for the midfielder after getting into some good attacking positions.
Stoke did have chances in the game with former Chelsea player Lewis Baker having a deflected shot skew wide of the post.
Clarke almost scored an own goal for Stoke after an awkward header wrong footed his keeper Jack Bonham before Ben Wilmot spared his teammates blushes.
Bartley eventually opened the scoring following a John Swift corner which he rose highest to head in the opener. Two goals in two games following his goal at Loftus Road against Queens Park Rangers last weekend. The 31-year-old defender was a constant threat from set pieces after hitting the bar as well as opening the scoring.
The Baggies extended the lead with a goal of the season contender from Thomas-Asante. Darnell Furlong played a ball into the box which was flicked clear by Phil Jagielka. Thomas-Asante reacted brilliantly to acrobatically strike with an overhead kick into the top corner. The Hawthorns erupted with ecstasy after such a strike which was worthy of winning any game.
The Potters had a few late chances with Liam Delap’s low drive and Lewis Bakers curling strike calling Alex Palmer into action. A quiet afternoon for the young goalkeeper is testament to the defensive solidity Corberan has imposed onto this Albion side in recent games. They have now not conceded a single goal in their last three league games.
The result leaves West Brom 21st in the Championship and with three consecutive wins. Stoke now sit 17th in the table following the defeat.
Comments