Karlan Grant double helps West Bromwich Albion to the top of the table after coming from behind to win at The Hawthornes.
Queens Park Rangers took the early lead as Andre Gray ran on to Moses Odubajo’s ball down the right flank. Taking advantage of Sam Johnstone’s error, the ‘keeper being caught in two minds whether to come to clear the ball or stay in goal.
The former Watford forward calmly slotted the ball in the bottom right corner, past Johnstone who was helplessly stuck on the edge of his own box.
The England goalkeeper was repetitively put into similar situations to where he cost him team the goal. Long balls from the Rangers back line towards the goal scorer were cleared with no control or composure.
West Brom scored their deserving goal after 75 minutes; substitute Callum Robinson found Karlan Grant in space on the corner of the box. His left footed strike was fumbled by keeper Semy Dieng at his near post.
With 87 minutes on the clock, the two combined again to score the winning goal. Robinson again the provider, picking up the ball 25 yards out, playing it to Grant in a similar position as his first goal. This time the forward struck the ball across Dieng, giving the Senegalese shot stopper no chance of denying the goal.
Grant’s second goal of the season was the starting orders for the home sides onslaught in the final quarter of the game.
Moments after the equalizing goal, Robinson saw his fierce strike narrowly miss the far post.
The visitors forced into several team changes from the home loss to Bristol City last weekend, including the move from Centre-half to Left-Wing-Back for Johann Barbet.
The Baggies looked to utilize the unfamiliarity of the Frenchman’s positioning. Former Rangers player Darnell Furlong exploiting the space down the right flank to good effect. Combining with Grady Diangana to constantly play balls into the box.
The home side’s best chance of the half came from one of the 15 crosses in from the right; Matt Phillips finding an onrushing Adam Reach on the centre of the six-yard-box; but the summer signing could only force Seny Dieng into a smart reflex save.
Diangana constantly found himself on the ball across the front line, almost immediately responding to the opening goal, seeing his shot go past the left-hand post.
Despite trailing by a goal and on the offence, Valerien Ismael would have had an eye on the midweek trip to Cardiff City on Wednesday. Bringing only 10 minutes after the resumption of the game, replacing two of the front-three. Diangana and Phillips pulled for Callum Robinson and Jordan Hugill.
The win elevates West Brom to the top of the table, above Fulham and Bournemouth, albeit for possibly only a few hours. As both play tomorrow.
QPR fall to a late goal for the second league match running, missing the chance to put themselves in the Play-off places.
Man of the Match:
Karlan Grant.
Mehdi Daley Sport 