West Bromwich Albion 2 - Manchester United 2

oshawabaggie:

It was disappointing not to hang on for a win, but there was a lot to be pleased about by this performance. Once again it was a very good all round effort. Probably Sess and Berahino were the pick of the bunch because of their beautifully taken goals. Manure were lucky not to pick up a foul on their first goal, but by the end they probably deserved a point because of their statistical advantage.

If there is any criticism at all I felt we defended too deep with the lead and waited too long to bring on fresh legs when under pressure, but I would have settled for a draw before the game.

Bring on Palace.

Brendan Clegg:

Quick thoughts as soon as I walk through the door so as not to be influenced by anything I read or hear.

Firstly and most importantly, what a great game. Loads of talent and great play on show, unbelievable pace to the game, 4 fantastic goals and a result I think we'd all have taken before the match too.

I thought it was a fair result - Utd pressured us a lot at times but we were quite resolute throughout and tactically we exposed their flaws well.

I think a few decisions against us were pretty harsh - from my viewpoint at the back of the Smethwick Lescott got a shove for the first goal although he could've been stronger and there looked to be a strong case for hand ball against Raphael preventing us from having a clear opportunity on goal. There were a few other unfair calls that went Utd's way, as they always do, that are difficult to accept.

We took our goals really well, worked really hard and played some really good stuff at times although we did struggle when Utd pressed us high. Utd are dodgy at the back though and we found gaps.

• Myhill - 6 Being super critical he might have done better with his positioning and reactions on both goals, taking nothing away from their finishing. Dealt with crosses quite well.
• Wisdom - 8 I keep saying this kid can play. Looks like Leon Barnett from a distance but ice cold under pressure and rarely gives the ball away. Not sure he meant the assist but he got up there. No doubt he'll have a rough patch like all players his age do but for now earning his right to play.
• Dawson - 8 Without doubt his best ever game for us, looked better than Jones for them. Kept it simple - reaching a level I didn't think he was capable of.
• Lescott - 7 Was tested tonight and mostly came out on top but looked suspect to the diagonal ball over his shoulder.
• Poco - 7 Did well, was pinned back quite well by them though.
• Dozza - 8 Never stopped running and was probably our best midfielder on the ball, never giving it away - did a real job doubling up on Di - Maria and Shaw for Wisdom.
• Mozza - 7 Spirited, rapid over 5 yards and did a good shielding job.
• Gardner - 7 Much like Mozza, lots of running and played some good stuff at times.
• Brunt - 7 Perhaps our least effective midfielder but credit must go to his making of the second goal and he hit an inch perfect long diagonal pass in the first half that Berahino mis-controlled that was out of this world. Didn't close down as well as the other midfielders.
• Sess - 8 What a finish and when we were able to find him in space was excellent in his running and linking up with Saido. Forced utd into cynical fouls that were not punished enough.
• Berahino - 8 Led the line like a lion and showed great strength and tenacity against their back four. Fantastic movement and finish too.

If we can follow this up with a win against Palace it'll be brilliant but don't underestimate how tough that game will be and it is vital that we win it.

Bobby Hope:

Yes good comments from Oshawa and Brendan although I thought Dawson and Dozza were our best players. Hard work from the team and good passing at times. Yes we let them come on to us and that was dangerous and when we gained possession they pressed us in the second half and rushed us. Ref was poor and yes most decisions went Utd's way - no surprise there! At times we looked desperate in defence but generally held firm. Watched it on SKY afterwards and they highlighted £241m against £14m on show from us!!

Onwards and Upwards! COYB!!

Mark Koppel:

Almost got over the appointment of Alan Irvine and the lack of investment in the Team (still only cost £14million) to see a really good performance last night.

• Myhill - 6 Good on crosses but I think we missed Foster last night. He possibly would have saved one of their 2 goals...
• Wisdom - 7 His best game for West Brom so far. Really good on the ball but still plays too narrow when up against a winger.
• Dawson - 8 I take it all back. Would never have thought he could make it but looked much better on the ball and growing in confidence.
• Lescott - 5 I thought this was his worst game in an Albion shirt. Didn't clear his lines as effectively and often gave the ball back to the opposition.
• Poco - 6 Quiet but solid.Not too much came down his wing compared to the other side.
• Dozza - 8 Superb all through the 90 mins. Best game in the PL for years.
• Mozza - 7 Did a really good job in a deeper position. Never gave the ball away. Unlucky to be booked.
• Gardner - 7 Much like Mozza, could do with pushing forward more if Mozza is deeper, and vice-versa.
• Brunt - 6 Poor first half but created the second goal superbly with great change of feet.
• Sess - 7 Certainly learnt how to shoot now, caused problems when facing their goal. Not so good with his back to goal as the ball bounces off him.
• Berahino - 8 Caused problems every time he got near the ball. Please lets stop talking about him playing for England, this will only lead to Peace selling him.
• Mulumbu - 4 He takes time to get into a game so being a sub is not a good idea. Looks overweight to me nowadays, and keeps turning into trouble.