Shan frustrated after first leg defeat

Last updated : 12 May 2019 By Wba-mad Editor

Jimmy Shan was left frustrated after Albion's narrow first leg play off defeat at Aston Villa. 

The Baggies marshalled in-form Villa in the first half with Jay Rodriguez hitting the bar before Dwight Gayle smashed home the opener. 

But the game changed in Villa's favours after several decisions went in their favour. After Gayle was cautioned for allegded time wasting, Villa equalised through Connor Hourihane. 

Jack Grealish then tumbled under minimal contact with Tammy Abraham steeping up to slide the resulting spot kick past Sam Johnstone. 

Albion were then denied a spot kick of their own when Abraham clearly pushed Mason Holgate under a high ball. 

With the Baggies pushing forward for an equaliser, Gayle was then shown a second yellow card when he challenged Villa keeper Jed Steer. 

"It's very frustrating," said Shan.

"Dwight Gayle's a big player for West Brom. He gets booked for allegedly time wasting at a long throw-in. Then, for the second, he's got every right to go in and contest the ball.

"There was no malice whatsoever. He's gone in to make contact, to get on the end of the cross from Jay Rodriguez and make himself a two-goal hero.

"And we should have a penalty ourselves. There was no attempt to win the ball in Abraham's challenge on Holgate. It was a penalty all day long.

"But we've still got 90 minutes ahead of us. The atmosphere will be electric and we've got to be bit more on the front foot and take the game to Aston Villa."