West Bromwich Albion 3 - Swansea City 2

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Ratings submitted so far: 15

Brendan Clegg:

Quite a game, quite a turnaround... and hugely enjoyable in the end which is why we go, right?

The starting 11 had quite a few changes which could probably have been justified due to the number of games in a week, if that was the reason. At home against a Swansea team who had lost 4 in a row it was understandable to go with Molumby over Diakite even if it is harsh on the latter. Gilchrist for Campbell presumably because we thought we'd have more of the ball, SIJ for Grant was probably freshness but it meant moving MJ from the right... which wasn't necessary as SIJ could play on his natural side.

We'll never know how this might have looked because we conceded after 10 seconds... it has to be said that another goal that just smacks of inexperienced coaching/preparation. For those who were not in their seats... Swansea took the kick back to their keeper, who pumped it forward to our right back zone. Both Gilchrist and and SIJ were right under it but Phillips, presumably pumped up and wanting to start the game well (or did he have no faith in the others) came running over to head it clear but left a massive hole in the middle. Swansea won the 2nd ball and were therefore in on goal with one touch, Mepham couldn't get over, Griffiths came out very early and got lobbed. For me it was Phillips' heart over brains rush out that caused it, and maybe Griffiths should have stayed back on his line but you could see why he didn't.

Shell-shocked, we couldn't get going and before we knew it, Swansea had another.. this time a speculative shot was palmed into the top corner by Griffiths. I think he could have taken two steps to his right and caught it.. it was very silly and the boos rang around the ground.

The rest of the half was really poor... too many players scared to take on the ball, carry the ball... too many nervy passes... some of them losing all discipline and trying to hit hollywood passes they are never going to be capable of.

I'd have changed it on 30 minutes if it was my job on the line... but it stayed that way until they were jeered and groaned off.

Mason went for 4 changes at the break which felt about right - saving one for any emergency. Price for Maja, Bielik for Phillips, Campbell for Gilchrist and Grant for SIJ.

We were immediately better... Maja and Bielik both helping us just look after the ball a lot better, Grant allowing MJ to go over the right and be a real threat, Campbell just being a reliable trier.

And we hit back twice quickly through Heggebo's left foot... the first a good roll and hard/low shot which their keeper allowed through him, the second a good finish which was deserved in that he hit a difficult bouncing ball into the ground at pace and it ended up going into the top corner.

From there, given the way we were playing with energy, pace and a lot more calm quality in the final 3rd, a winner felt inevitable.

After a spell of pressure, good saves and nearly moments, we got the ball wide again, Grant put it in the right area, Maja brought that composure to touch and lay it for Molumby who merely had to make contact and steer it into the bottom corner. A super goal and he made a public show of unity with the coaches by heading to the bench and inviting his teammates to join the huddle. I saw his interview after the game on the official site and he did seem like a guy genuinely showing that he cares and contrition. He still has a way to go to make up for his silliness and he needs a coach who can spot the dangers (he's hardly irreplaceable) but he went some way to making up for it.

We saw the game out, no problems, with Diakite getting a run on for Heggebo late.

So a second half that probably saved Mason's job for another week because even if our owners and president continue to have faith in their choice... that loss and the nature of it would have been too toxic to survive.

I hope he learns from it. I hope the 2nd half team are our default starting 11 until injuries or the window mean otherwise. I hope he goes after games for 90 minutes from here on in because there is a lot of dross in this league and we've been showing it way too much respect. For me, I'd still look to get a replacement as soon as an obviously better one is available but it is also fair to say that the players have never stopped running or trying for him and the coaches.

• Griffiths - 4 It's another big error. I would still be starting with our GK coach though.
• Gilchrist - 4 Had an absolute shocker... looked fragile and couldn't keep the ball at all.
• Phillips - 5 Still think he is a decent leader and player and I guess it was the yellow that led to him being hooked.
• Mepham - 6 Did okay.
• Styles - 7 Usual energy and tigerishness, and he does always try and keep the ball.
• Mowatt - 6 Didn't really sort us out in the first half but did have a decent game after the break.
• Molumby - 7 Lots of running, was trying silly passes after we went 2 down but then redeemed himself by giving it to better footballers and played to his own strengths
• SIJ - 5 I feel for him a bit.. early on had the courage to have a go at them but as the groans got louder he wilted. Why not try him on the left next time he gets minutes?
• Price - 4 Just fell apart really. His casualness on the ball has always been there... Maja showed you are better having a footballer in this role than a headless chicken. Still so young and will come back better after a spell on the bench.
• MJ - 7 A threat all game.
• Heggebo - 8 Earns his goals and gives everything. I'd started to lose faith but his confidence is lifted and he's growing into a decent line-leader for us.

Subs

• Bielik - 7 Our passing from the back obviously improved. A cautious word... he got easily done for pace a couple of times before just about recovering. I like him but better teams will exploit this.
• Campbell - 6 Looked fine... benefitted from Bielik next to him on the ball.
• Maja - 7 Covers half the ground that Price does, but on the ball just miles better and was key for us here.
• Grant - 7 I think that's 3 games in a week that we've seen Corberan-era Grant. Has his technical limitations sometimes but graft, athleticism, battling and he is quick.