WBA-MAD Player Ratings: Blues 1 Albion 1

Last updated : 16 September 2018 By Wba-mad Editor

Albion were fortunate to escape with a 1-1 draw against neighbours Birmingham after the hosts wasted several clear chances. 

Matt Phillips scored Albion's equaliser as he continued his impressive start to the season and Harvey Barnes rattled the crossbar late. 

Here's our player ratings: 

Sam Johnstone: Kept Albion in it with his spot kick save from Jota. Made seveal other routine saves during a busy evening. 7/10

Craig Dawson: So wasteful in position and got beat in the air for Blues' goal. Not an evening to remember for the usually reliable defender. 6/10. 

Ahmed Hegazi: Was lucky one of his several errors didn't result in a goal conceded. Played Albion in trouble on numerous occassions with his wayward passing. 5/10. 

Kyle Bartley: Out of sorts all evening and was bullied by Blues' forwards. Summed up when he gave away a needless penalty. 4/10. 

Matt Phillips: Albion's standout performer so far this season. Drove forward where possible and played some tempting crosses into the box. 7/10. 

Conor Townsend: Got forward where possible but was caught out defensively on a couple of occasions. Lost Jota for Blues' goal. 6/10. 

Jake Livermore: Never backed out of any challenge but struggled to impose himself on the game. 6/10. 

Chris Brunt: Tried to get Albion ticking early on but quickly went missing and lost his radar when passing forward 6/10. 

Harvey Barnes: Needs to improve his movement off the ball. Offers nothing defensively and was strolling around at times when Blues pushed forward. Unlucky not to score late on. 6/10. 

Jay Rodriguez: You can always rely on his workrate but another who failed to get into the game. Subbed. 6/10. 

Dwight Gayle: Buzzed about and worked hard but had little opportunity in front of goal. 6/10. 

SUBS

Gareth Barry: Got a hostile welcome from the Blues fans but improved Albion's passing through the lines. May have played his way into the starting XI. 7/10. 

Hal Robson-Kanu: Didn't have many opportunities to get on the ball and bring others into play but will be disappointed by his weak follow up after Barnes' shot hit the crossbar. 6/10.