Midlands | West Brom earn hard-fought win over Blackburn

West Bromwich Albion 1 - 0 Blackburn Rovers

Ryan Mason marked his first match in charge of West Brom with a hard-fought win over Blackburn Rovers.

Author | Peter Grainger 

Stadium | The Hawthorns

Isaac Price’s 15th-minute strike proved decisive in a meeting between two sides separated by just two points and two places in last season’s table. The midfielder fired home from close range after Aune Heggebo glanced on Darnell Furlong’s long throw.

Both Heggebo and Price came close to doubling Albion’s advantage, only to be denied by sharp saves from Balazs Toth on either side of the interval. At the other end, Yuki Ohashi tested Josh Griffiths with a well-struck effort and also had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down just before the break when he appeared to be pulled down by Torbjorn Heggem.

Albion’s task was made harder deep into added time when captain Furlong was shown a second yellow card for a high challenge on Ohashi. But Mason’s side stood firm to claim the points, ensuring Rovers left empty-handed on Valerien Ismael’s first return to The Hawthorns since departing in January 2022.

A great day for Ryan Mason

Ryan Mason has stood on the Wembley touchline for a cup final before, but this was the moment that truly felt like his own.

The 34-year-old’s first day as a full-time head coach brought a bright and purposeful display from West Bromwich Albion, who began life under his stewardship with a deserved win. It marked a very different occasion from his first taste of management in 2021, when a Carabao Cup final defeat to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City came during the first of two interim spells at Tottenham.

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Now, with the opportunity to shape a side in his image, Mason inherits a team that faltered badly at the end of last season to finish ninth under Tony Mowbray. At The Hawthorns there were signs of early progress. Albion started with energy and intent, eager to impress their new manager.

They might have put the result beyond doubt earlier, but the defensive resilience fostered under Carlos Corberán before his departure to Valencia last December remained intact. That steel proved vital as Blackburn pressed late on and Mason’s tenure began with victory.

Which West Brom players stood out

Darnell Furlong

Furlong delivered the long throw that sparked the crucial confusion leading to Price’s goal. Defensively, he was solid, handling De Neve with assurance. However, he found it tougher in the closing stages against the pacey Kargbo and was shown a booking.

Nat Phillips

Phillips was commanding on his debut, winning several fierce sliding tackles that won the admiration of the Albion supporters. He grabbed attention with an ambitious chest and volley attempt in the first half that did not come off. His only significant error came when he was booked for a late challenge on Augustus Kargbo.

Aune Heggebo

Heggebo made an immediate impact on his competitive debut by providing the assist for Price’s opening goal. He also had a promising shot saved in the first half following some excellent link-up play with Fellows.