West Brom 3, Reading 1: Chris Lepkowski's big match verdict
His first goal, Albion’s equaliser, came when Jobi McAnuff was put under pressure. He played an underhit back pass which prompted Adam Federici to race from his line in an attempt to clear the ball. Thomas anticipated, nipped the ball past the keeper and ran it into an empty net, with Cummings snapping at his heels as he did so.
His second came through Wood’s excellent work. The New Zealander, who bullied Reading’s backline throughout, passed the ball to Thomas when he spotted the winger had raced into space. By the time Reading reacted, Thomas was already running goalwards, slotting his shot underneath Federici, who had produced a series of saves throughout the second half to keep his side in the game.
Albion’s third came when the Australian stopper punched away Dorrans’ cross. The ball fell for Mulumbu, who returned a volley over the keeper’s head and into the net.
Dorrans, dominant in midfield alongside Mulumbu during an outstanding second half, almost got a goal when he spotted Federici off his line and tried to chip him from the halfway line. Federici got back to tip it over – but only just.
Mulumbu and Dorrans will suffer from dips in form as they develop but, right now, both are raising their standards with each game, offering something new every time.
At the back, following a shaky start, Jara deserves great credit. He assumed the role as if he’d played next to Jonas Olsson for some time. He was comfortable on the ball and was able to bring it out of his zone without the need to rush or resort to a more rudimentary clearance.
All of this suggests Albion’s scouting network can produce players of quality without the need to spend big. With more and more clubs welcoming takeovers, cash investment and foreign ownership, the Baggies may need to finely tune this should they return to the Premier League.
