WBA-MAD Player Ratings: Derby 1 Albion 1

Last updated : 25 August 2019 By Wba-mad Editor

Sam Johnstone: Made the headlines with his penalty save but made a number of key contributions to help Albion continue their unbeaten start. Certainly shut his critics up with a good all-round display. 8 MOTM

Nathan Ferguson: Right back or left back he looked assured all afternoon. One great run which almost resulted in his goal for Albion showed he has something to offer Albion going forward. Another impressive show from the teenager. 7

Semi Ajayi: Was happy bringing the ball out of midfield and used the ball well to get Albion moving. Him and Bartley are building a good partnership in the heart of Albion’s defence. 6

Kyle Bartley: Another who is shutting up his critics. Bartley has been solid for Albion all season and didn’t do too much wrong against the Rams. Distribution was much better and had the confidence to push into midfield when Albion were searching for an equaliser. 7

Kieran Gibbs: Gave away an early corner and his afternoon went downhill after that. Gifted the ball to Derby’s attackers a couple of times before he rashly dived in on Waghorn to give Derby an early penalty. Subbed after 20 minutes with an injury. Awful. 4

Jake Livermore: Started off slowly with Derby buoyant after their early goal but really drove Albion forward after the break. Probably should’ve won it for Albion late on but his effort was somehow deflected over for a corner. 6

Romaine Sawyers: A much better performance from Albion’s playmaker. Whether on the edge of Derby’s box or picking up the ball deep Sawyers’ radar always seemed to find a teammate. Was unlucky some of his through balls didn’t result in goals. 7

Kyle Edwards: A mixed 45 minutes for Edwards who started brightly but drifted out of the game and was subbed at half time. Didn’t make the impact Bilic had hoped after such a bright cameo from the bench in the week. 6

Filip Krovinovic: Was very unfortunate to concede a first half penalty when the ball clearly struck his shoulder. He was another who refused to let his head drop and pushed Albion forward for their equaliser. Drifted across the Derby backline and played a key part in Albion’s build up to the penalty. 7

Matt Phillips: Struggling a little to adapt to Albion’s possession based game under Bilic. Linked up well with Ferguson first half but was another who drifted out of the game with Albion could’ve used his directness. 5

Kenneth Zohore: Missed a first half chance when he should’ve done better but kept his nerve when he was called upon to take another late penalty. Was lucky not to have been swapped for Austin, but nobody can complain about his ability to score from the spot when the pressure is on. 6

SUBS

Darnell Furlong: Started off on the left but looked far more comfortable after the break when he moved to a more familiar right-back position. Got into some good positions in the final third, but lacked a killer ball into the box. 6

Grady Diagana: Another good substitute appearance who was full of tricks down Albion’s left. Was unfortunate not to set up a winner for Livermore after some excellent skill to beat his man. Pushing for a start against Blackburn. 7

Matheus Pereira: Technically is excellent and made a big impact from the bench. Another who was happy to drift positions and played a neat one-two inside Derby’s area before he was brought down for Albion’s penalty. Only a matter of time before he starts. 7