WBA-MAD Player Ratings: Arsenal 3 Albion 1

Last updated : 10 May 2021 By Wba-mad Editor

Albion’s return to the top flight lasted only a season as the club’s relegation was confirmed after a 3-1 defeat at Arsenal. The Baggies started brightly but conceded two quick fire goals to go into half time two-nil down. Matheus Pereira’s weaving run pulled a goal back for Albion, but a late Arsenal third put the nail in Albion’s coffin.

Here’s how we rated the players:

Sam Johnstone – 7

Conceded three goals – and will be unhappy about his positioning for the third – but didn’t have that much to do. Little chance with either of Arsenal’s well taken goals.

Darnell Furlong – 5

Was given little protection by Robinson, but was targeted on numerous times by Arsenal and struggled to defend his flank. Missed a glorious chance to equalise in the second half with a header.

Semi Ajayi – 5

Played Albion in trouble a few times with wayward passing and had to rely on his pace to cover for others. Has looked short of confidence in recent weeks.

Kyle Bartley – 5

Gave away a silly free kick for Arsenal’s third on the edge of Albion’s area. Another who didn’t look comfortable trying to protect Albion’s goal.

Conor Townsend – 7

Allowed Pepe one chance – which he took – but was excellence in defence and going forward. One of only a few plus points this season for Albion.

Matt Phillips – 6

Looked more comfortable in the second half when moved back to a more familiar position out wide. Sent in some excellent crosses after the break.

Conor Gallagher – 5

His early season form has really trailed off and looks like he could do with a break. Again, plenty of energy but little end product.

Okay Yokuslu – 6

Struggled in the first half and failed to pick up Smith-Rowe for the first. But improved after the break and was back to his ball-winning best.

Callum Robinson – 4

Simply couldn’t get into the game and failed to offer Furlong any sort of protection in the first half. Was no surprise to see him subbed.

Matheus Pereira – 8

At times it felt like it was Pereira vs Arsenal such was his influence. Was a whisker away from opening the scoring in the first half and then scored a sublime solo effort in the second half.

Mbaye Diagne – 4

Another who had zero impact on the game. His worst game in an Albion shirt when the Baggies needed a big performance.

SUBS

Hal Robson-Kanu – 5

Slightly better than Diagne but failed to offer any sort of goalscoring threat.

Grady Diangana – 5

A welcome return in an Albion shirt. Was better defensively than Robinson but couldn’t find a spark going forward.